By Evan Vitale
When it comes to your business – growth; sales; expansion and other important decisions – you should always be thinking.
Don’t let your business be “status quo.”
After all, your business is constantly (or should be) on the go. However, don’t spend too much time on the daily; weekly and monthly tasks. That’s why you have staff. If you start sweating the small stuff, then your strategic plan will suffer.
Yes, it’s easy to be bogged down and sometimes you might feel that you are pulled in many different directions at the same time. Ah, the joys of owning your own business.
That’s why it’s important to set aside some time to think and strategize. Use this time to review what’s working and what isn’t working and how can you fix it quickly? What opportunities are available for you at this time?
A good time (and place) to think is somewhere quiet and without interruptions. You might have to go get a cup of coffee or take a walk (and turn off your cell phone for a little while). One of my business associates says he can do his best thinking when he’s driving or when he’s relaxing while hiding out at a cabin and fishing for the weekend. That sounds nice!
Some say they do their best thinking and problem solving while working on a hobby: painting, sewing, woodworking, yard work, etc.
Thinking time isn’t supposed to be used as “worry” time. Here, you are letting your mind flow freely. You might be able to solve a problem; come up with a new idea or do a little bit of strategizing.
Make sure you carve out some regular time to think – even if it’s 5-to-10 minutes a day and don’t be afraid to leave work early one day to give yourself a longer time away from the grind and let your mind flow freely!