Small Business Articles from Make-it-Fly®

How to Live in Balance And Get Things Done
By Victoria Munro

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We’re facing a New Year in turbulent times—with new goals to achieve, new opportunities to explore and challenges to overcome in business and in life. Staying calm, grounded and focused while maintaining a proper life balance has never been more essential to success.

As I juggle running the businesses, it’s not easy to stay balanced, and remain clear-headed and alert to the right priorities while letting those creative juices flow. Over the years, I devised a system that allows me to stay focused and encouraged, in even the most challenging circumstances, to thrive and not just survive. So with the hope that it may be helpful to you too; I’m sharing my success strategy.

Every day, before sitting down at my desk, or even setting foot in my office, I stop and Reset my Balance Point for the day. It takes just a few minutes (seven) and it really works! I encourage you to try it.

Seven Minutes to Reset Your Balance Point
First, find a quiet spot, away from all or most distractions.

Minute 1 – Look at your big picture

Ask yourself, or review and remind yourself, where you ultimately want to take your life and your business and why. What do you want your life and your business to look like in the future? Conceptualize it—see it, feel it, smell it. Think about what you want to be remembered for.

Note: As we experience life, encounter different events and gain new insights, we may modify or completely change where we’re headed and what our big picture looks like.

Minute 2 – Identify your values

Review your values—those “non-negotiables”—the principles you won’t compromise. Think about how you’ll apply and be true to these values today, how they might be challenged and, if that happens, what your response will be.

Note: Whether we identify them or not, we all have values. Our actions and the way we live our lives demonstrate what values we hold dear.

Minute 3 – Focus on your strengths

Reflect on your greatest assets—your strengths as a person and in your business. Consider how you will use them to help someone else today. Ask yourself how you will utilize these strengths to bring the highest possible return in your business.

Note: We often see talented entrepreneurs sidetracked by busywork, spending relatively little time using their greatest strengths. It may be more profitable to hire someone else to take care of other tasks so that you can do more of what you do best.

Minute 4 – Know your limitations

Be realistic about your weaknesses and limitations. Don’t focus on them in a negative way, but be aware of what they are. Think ahead about how these weak spots could make you vulnerable or perhaps trip you up today, and be ready to circumvent any potentially harmful outcomes.

Note: There will be snafus. You’ll make mistakes—we all do. When they happen, don’t get down on yourself. Instead, see and use mistakes as valuable learning tools.

Minute 5 – Highlight your most important task

Ask yourself what is the most important task you should accomplish today. Will it move you a step closer to your big picture goal? Jot it down. This is your highest priority for the day. Now, see it done! Think about how you’ll feel when you’ve achieved it.

Note: With your most crucial task clearly in mind, you’ll be better equipped to resist any temptation to get caught up in the “urgent” at the expense of what really matters to you.

Minute 6 – Make sure you get your quota of joy

The old rhyme “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” holds a lot of truth.
Think about what you’ll do today to rejuvenate, inspire and bring joy to your life. Make a list. Refuse to compromise and ignore it if you’re busy later, telling yourself it’s not important. Celebrate successes, even small ones!

Note: Rather than gutting it out until a project is finished, you’ll be more effective if you take regular time out, even a few minutes every hour or two. A short break renews creativity and your ability to concentrate. You’ll return with new energy and enthusiasm.

Minute 7 – Ponder your big picture once more

Start your day with a clear vision of where you want to end up. Turn your focus again to your big picture. See it. Feel what it will be like when you’re there. Hang a picture of what you want it to look like in your work area and in your Balance Point space.

Note: Don’t skip over this one because you’ve already looked at it. Reviewing and keeping your big picture at the top of your mind will set your compass for the day and keep you on the course you want to follow.

Warning: When you’re running a business, wearing many different hats and sometimes just going as hard and fast as you can to catch up and keep up, it can be tempting not to stop and reset your Balance Point. Perhaps you tell yourself you’re too busy now and you’ll do it later when it’s more convenient. Don’t! That’s when you most need to regain your balance, and you won’t achieve it without stopping for a brief time.

Later in the day, if you feel overwhelmed or out of kilter, stop and take a few minutes to reset your Balance Point again.

(Taken in part from Victoria’s book, The Small Biz Balancing Act: Secrets to Restoring Passion and Play in Your Business and Life.)

(936 words)
© 2005-2008 Victoria Munro.

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About the Author: Victoria Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small-business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

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