STOP! Stop right now!

These days we are all busy and under pressure to squeeze
ever more into our working day. Often, we are so busy
working and earning a living that we lose sight of our
goals. This is especially true when you run your own
business. You are so busy actually running your business
that you lose sight of the reasons that you started it in
the first place and the goals you want to achieve. The
problem is that all the time you are not absolutely focused
and working towards your goals, you and your business are
going in another direction altogether. The wrong direction!
How do you get back on track and heading in the right
direction?

Okay, admit it, when was the last time you actually
scheduled some quality time to identify your goals and a
direction for your business? Last week, last month, last
year, never? If you are like most busy business people, you
probably havent done it for some time at least. Well, today
I'm here to tell you to STOP! Yes, STOP RIGHT NOW and take a
breather. Renew that vision, that passion, that excitement.
Take some time out and put yourself and your business back
on track. Its not difficult to do, it just takes a little
investment of your time thats all.

Start by getting out of your usual work environment
altogether. Go somewhere relaxing like a coffee bar or a
park. Now, think about what you and your business do and how
you do it. Reassess all aspects of your business and work
life. Try to think creatively and of the bigger picture
rather than your usual point of view. Consider how others
fit into the picture. Ask yourself some difficult questions
and explore your answers a little. Write your answers and
thoughts down as you work through them - it makes it easier
to see them clearly.

Here's some questions to consider and get you started in the
right area. Add other questions as you feel necessary:

Why did you start your business?
How do you do things now?
How could you do things better?
How do your competitors compare?
What do you offer that is unique?
What direction are you going in?
What direction do you want to go in?
What are your goals?
What steps are you taking to reach those goals?
What opportunities are you missing?
What opportunities do you want?
What position do you want to be in 5, 10, 15, 20 years time?

Spend some time thinking through your answers and reflecting
on them. The more you do that the more your business will
benefit. Dont forget to keep writing things down for clarity
and future reference. Now with those things in mind make
some important decisions and identify two things:

1. the precise goals you want to achieve,
2. the time frame you want to achieve them within.

Write them down. Now all you need is a good plan to achieve
those goals. Break the goals down into smaller more
manageable tasks and schedule them over your specified time
frame. Break them down into weekly and daily tasks. Write
those daily and weekly tasks into your diary and number them
in priority order, number 1 being highest priority. Do the
highest priority tasks first each day and tick off each task
as you complete it. If you dont complete a task that day put
a cross next to it and reschedule it onto another day.

Doing it this way helps you stay focused in the right
direction at all times and aware of using your time
effectively. Keep focused on your goals and work to your
plan every single working day, throughout the day. I arrange
my whole weeks schedule on Sunday evening, so that i know
what i must be doing at all times throughout the week. At
the end of the week you can review what you completed and
plan the next week accordingly.

You now have a plan that is taking you in the direction you
want to go in - towards your goals. The more focused you are
the more effective you are. Use this new opportunity and
focus to renew your concentration and double your efforts.
Every time you complete a task you are another step nearer
your goal. What are you waiting for? Get started right now
and build the future you've always wanted. You can do it.

Good luck!