Retreat! 

The sunrise of a new year is upon us and the energy surge is palpable.  Those of us who own a small business are eager to wipe the slate of 2011 and welcome the opportunity of 2012. Before rushing headlong into the tasks at hand, may I be so bold as to recommend a "retreat".  A pause. A timeout.  Take the opportunity to reflect upon what lies ahead and what you want to focus on, personally & professionally, in the coming months. Where do you want to be in January 2013?

Businesses of all size can stand a little introspection on their operations and goals.  Indeed, with many small business owners, life is business. So whether it's a luxury resort with your key staff (I wish) or maybe just a day off and some quiet time to reflect, NOW is your time. Be it team building, goal setting or just renewing your perspective, your business and life will benefit.   

So grab your yellow pad, iPad, or Kindle and settle in for some review.  Below is a list of topics to reflect upon.  Like Joey from the old Friends TV show, pause and ask yourself..."How you doin...?".  Pencil in your current status and then reflect on the topic.  Rank them in order of areas that you want to improve in. 


Topics:

1. Home and family. Your home life and relationship with other family members. Are these relationships what you want them to be?

2. Work. Your career, your job, and your business.

3. Financial. Where do you stand?  Income, savings, investments, assets, and debt.

4. Physical health. You are not getting any younger. Diet and exercise habits, your overall energy level.

5. Integrity. How strong is your sense of integrity, honesty, courage, compassion, level of self-discipline, and sense of honor? .....Honor is a man's gift to himself

6. Continuing Education. Your knowledge, education, talents, and skills. Are you developing your talents? Courses to take? 

7. Social. Your friends, your social experiences, networking, and belonging to clubs and organizations.

8. Spiritual. How do you generally feel about your life: positive and optimistic, or negative and pessimistic? Are your religious beliefs and philosophy of life providing you comfort?

9. Contribution. Are you giving back to the world?  Do you feel that you are making a difference with your life?

10. Adventure. Are you enjoying your life?  Do you have or need a Bucket List?  What would be on it?

Your answers are for you to reflect upon. Be honest. The reflections are meant to be a means of motivation for you.  Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.  Choose where you want to make headway and begin moving towards that....goal.

The insight gained will allow you to proceed with a purpose towards the goals in the various areas you reviewed.  Moving forward with  some degree of clarity can make 2012 your best year.  

Now get back to work......