One of the big benefits of being your own boss is the ability to set your own calendar. But there is a downside. My friend mentioned the other day, “I’m spending about twice as much time working now as I did when I was working for someone else! I still love what I’m doing, but I have less time to spend with friends or family or work on my non-business, just-for-fun projects”.

Setting a more rational schedule that will allow you to put more balance into your life and work will mean taking advantage of existing habits you have.

For instance, if you are a night owl who does their best work in the evening, then try to schedule at least some of your business efforts for that time, even after others have gone to bed. Obviously, this won’t work for cold-calls and other business functions that often work better early in the morning, but a lot of technical services, planning, communications, accounting or administrative functions can be done at night – just as long as you’ve got the energy then.

Of course, if you’re an early riser, consider getting into your work before everyone else is up. The rule is basically that you want to be arranging your schedule around the times when you are most productive according to your own unique body clock.

For home-based businesses, this will necessitate instituting some hard rules and boundaries around entering your “office”. If this is unrealistic for your living arrangement (eg. your home office is the well-trafficked living room), you might consider investing in some shared office space, or even working from the local coffee shop with your laptop and Blackberry as your means of production.

Linda Chu
CEO – Out of Chaos, Professional Organizing Solutions
www.outofchaos.ca

I cannot wait to be sitting around the pool, lake, fire or wherever else we end up gathering this weekend and tossing around business ideas. I’m excited because each one of us is intelligent and creative, yet have all had completely different experiences to draw on. Over the weekend I’m sure we will mastermind and brainstorm all kinds of different ways we could band together, and mutually benefit from synergizing our uniqueness, make a ton of money and retire early in the South Pacific. (Ok, I’m not really sure where everyone else want to retire, but you get the idea.)

So often I see and hear of family members who dread spending time together and although I understand, it really is a shame. Having access to other minds, other ideas, other thoughts, other resources etc. all within the context of the unconditional love of a family is absolutely priceless. This summer, if you’re open to it, be more engaged at family gatherings. Find out what your siblings, cousins, parents and the like are really up to. Brainstorm with them, strategize with them, imagine with them. Not every family should go in to business together, that’s for sure, but I think that every family could support one another in talking through ideas, making plans and holding each other accountable to living out our potential.

All the best,

Heather White, CEO, 2020 Communications Inc.

I remember my coach years ago saying to me “most people tiptoe through life, hoping to make it safely to death” – what a great statement, and it’s so true. Most adults are so stuck in their comfort zone, afraid to make a mistake, choosing caution at every opportunity that they safely end up at the end of their life. RRSP’s in tact, house paid off, 365 papers read/year, ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but, you get my point.

Human beings are driven by energy and energy comes from passion. Get clear on the things that excite you, don’t get talked out of going ‘all in’ by your ego or those in your life who can’t see your vision. Commit 100% with the knowledge that if you make a mistake, get hurt, lose money, whatever it is that you fear might happen, you can pick yourself right back up and keep on going.

Death is inevitable, but, how you live while you’re alive is YOUR choice. Are  you ready to go ‘all in’?

All the best,

Heather White, CEO 2020 Communications Inc.

What I see happening too often when women try to make healthy change in their life is they take the ‘all or nothing approach’. You’re either leading the aerobics class, or, you never go to the gym. You have great intentions of a healthy diet, have two oreo cookies, beat yourself up, figure you’ve lost the battle and eat the whole box. This ‘all or nothing” b.s. doesn’t work. Here’s some tips on ensuring success for whatever changes you want to make this year.

1. Be gentle and kind to yourself as you attempt to change. You are going to fall off the wagon – it’s a given – and when you do, don’t beat yourself up, see it for what it is, a slip up, and get right back on the wagon. Don’t use a blip on the radar to give up all together.

2. Keep a record of your progress. It’s too easy for your ego to get you all wrapped up in keeping you dissatisfied with your progress. By keeping a record you can silence your ego and it’s ridiculous banter by looking back to how far you’ve come.

3. Get an accountability partner. If you can’t afford to hire a personal coach, business coach, personal trainer, wellness facilitator (depending on what changes you are making this year) get yourself an accountability partner.- click here to read an extended post on how to get a great partner.

4. Set a goal. It’s important for your sub-conscious mind, your ego and your motivation to ensure you know exactly what you’re working towards. Click here to read more about how to set effective goals.

Wishing you a successful, healthy 2009!

Heather White, CEO, 2020 Communications Inc.