What's Your Summertime System?

Summer is a time to linger outside a bit longer, enjoy frequent gatherings with friends, watch the kiddos play ball, road trip to a favorite vacation spot, and any other number of favorite activities. Summertime is also a season of great distraction, and if we aren’t careful summertime can slow us down to a point where progress toward the goals we set in January is stymied. Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t be enjoying all that summertime brings, but in doing so, you do not have to give up your focus either! As always, it’s best to have a system in place BEFORE you encounter challenges.

Here are some suggestions to stay focused despite summertime distractions:

• Follow your written plan. There is no arguing with the specific, measurable results (SMRs) and the by-whens that you set for you and your team. If you don't have a plan, write one! Yes, I hear the groans now, but trust me. Take the time to write a plan. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, but if you don't put where you are going in writing and by-when you are committed to getting there, getting what you say you want will be much more difficult to accomplish.

• Take care of yourself. Hint: follow (or create) your personal plan. To have your life be the way you say you want it to be, you've got to keep your batteries charged, and you do that by taking care of YOU.

• Be unstoppable. Stay focused on your commitments and don't allow any circumstance to get in your way.

• Ask for help and accountability!

You can enjoy all of the fun that summertime brings and still focus on your commitments to yourself, your business, and co-workers; you simply have to stay focused. Remember: Only you have a say in how your life turns out.

So what do you say?