How do you get from putting out fires all of the time to being proactive? By taking advantage of the
white space and golden opportunities that allow you to think and act ahead of the game. It's like driving a car . . .
When I was teaching my daughters how to drive (
SO glad those days are over!), I explained that good drivers are looking not just at the car ahead of them, but 2-3 cars ahead, and at the other lanes as well (
present).
I also instructed them to always leave enough space so they could react to a situation (opportunity), be aware and anticipate a situation ahead that would require them to start slowing down immediately.
You could also apply those things to your personal life.
Here's how I get my Christmas presents done early
I look for unique gifts all year long. I create the
space and time to find the right gift at a good price. Here's an example:
Anticipating Christmas coming up, I asked my brother and sister-in-law for ideas a while back (creating space). I learned that my nephew just purchased (present) a record player and needed some old-fashioned vinyl to play on it.
One day I was going to be near a great used album store. I slotted that stop in between other appointments, using the white space, and taking advantage of the opportunity to get a great gift.
I wrapped their gifts while watching football last Sunday (white space), packed them in a box I had saved in my garage (I anticipated mailing gifts in it), and had my Awesome Assistant mail it for me (opportunity).
Let's look at this from a business perspective:
- Be present--look at what is working now (or not)
- Include enough white space in your days/weeks/plans and be flexible enough to course-correct or take advantage of UN-anticipated opportunities that pop up
- Look to the future--what anticipated opportunities or changes are coming up?
- Take action to support that coming anticipated environment--what can I do now to prepare and be ready to help create the future?
I am committed to helping you operate your business SIMPLY and in a way that is in alignment with how you do things--ARE YOU READY to step up?
Are you doing your 2015 planning yet?
I CAN HELP!
See the "Roadmap to Success in 2015"
information above and let's create a powerful New Year!
to get started making things
SIMPLE and FOCUSED!
Yes, it is THAT time of the year again. The one where everyone says you should be planning. . . and I agree.
