Today I’m a little out of my mind.
I’m navigating my busy season while preparing for a 10 day trip. You know what it’s like because we’ve all been there, thinking that we can wrap up all of the loose ends in just a few short hours before boarding a flight. What was I thinking?
Running a small business is a crazy job, with an endless variety of things that need to be completed each day. Sometimes we get lost in the weeds, focusing on day-to-day tasks, rather than planning and setting direction. You spend your days reacting and never get ahead.
Like me today, you’re buried in your business. What I should have done last week is the very same thing that you can do to break the cycle. Try a clarity break.
A clarity break is a regularly scheduled meeting with yourself. Which, of course, seems ridiculous, right? Why do you need to schedule a meeting with yourself, when you can “meet” with yourself any time. For most of us, though, we won’t take the time to do that unless we schedule it. We need to set aside time specifically for coming up for air, looking around, surveying the landscape.
Henry Ford said, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.”
That’s precisely what we need to do as leaders, get clarity and just think.
So, how does a clarity break work?
It’s scheduled and appears on your calendar.
The frequency and duration are up to you – 15 minutes a day or 1 hour a week are good choices.
Eliminate all distractions. Turn off your phone and step away from your computer.
Find a location where you can focus and ensure that you won’t be interrupted.
Have paper and pen at hand to jot down your thoughts.
Use your clarity break to think strategically about your company and evaluate your progress toward your goals. If you need to, review key documents, like the Vision/Traction Organizer® or your Accountability Chart. This is your time to remind yourself where you’re going and make sure you’re on track to get there.
It’s hard to take time away from working in your business to work on it, but as EOS Worldwide founder Gino Wickman said, “Vision without traction is merely hallucination.” Clarity breaks are all about traction. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a Clarity Break to get back on track with finishing up my work and heading out for vacation!
About the Author
Kirsten Smith, founder of Made to Thrive Consulting, is a business management strategist and EOS Implementer®. She has over 20 years Business Development and Management experience with small and large organizations alike, including those listed among the Fortune 500. She is both a business professional and motivational speaker covering a range of topics including attitude change, effective sales techniques, customer service excellence, and personality profiling. Her passion is helping entrepreneurs and leaders be the very best version of themselves and to do more than just survive … THRIVE!
Contact Kirsten at ksmith@madetothrivellc.com.
© 2023 Made to Thrive Consulting, LLC. All right reserved.
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