Why Self Care Is Essential to Running A Business

Maracas Beach in Trinidad.

“I am exhausted and have been running on fumes lately…”

How many times have you heard that statement from an entrepreneur? It rings true for many – including myself. There’s no doubt that owning your own business is a double-edged sword. While it can be thrilling and offer you a sense of control over your work hours and flexibility etc, it can also be stressful and lean more towards an unpredictable 24 hour clock.

While I wholeheartedly love being an entrepreneur, after hour meetings, chasing after non-paying clients and falling flat when there’s no energy left to pick myself up – those are a few moments that I can do without. At that point, we usually feel like we are at the end of our rope and need a break. However, we can be our own worst enemy and completely talk ourselves out of sitting on a white sandy beach while exhaling and watching the soul-stirring rays of a sunset.

Here’s the realization. We all need an exhale moment. Whether it’s a weekend, week or more away, a recharge is always necessary to step away from the hectic and demanding world of entrepreneurship. I made the decision in April and escaped for a few well needed weeks away to Trinidad and Tobago. It was the best decision I made this year and I have already made a pact with myself to get away more often.  We are no good to ourselves, our companies, our family or our clients in a weakened and debilitated state. Make sure that projects are up to date, check your emails now and then if you have to,  but  do yourself a favor and schedule in some vacation time for yourself.  Trust me when I say, it will do your body, soul and business some good.

You’re on my time! Why mastering time management is a necessity

Personally, I think there’s nothing worse than people who waste the time of others.

You know exactly what I’m talking about.

– those who plan meetings and leave you waiting for a time before they reach;
– those who you make an appointment with and don’t have the courtesy to show up;
– those who make an appointment with you, run late, and fail to even pick up the phone!

I can go on about the atrocities that I have witnessed, but those of us who have been victim to the above mentioned know what it all comes down to – time management.  In order for you to carry on with an effective and productive day, it is essential that your time management skills be on point. Yes, there are times when the day happens to go a whole other direction because of the monkey wrench thrown in by the surprise client that fell in your lap. However, mastering the art of time management can save you the stress of overlapping meetings, and embarrassing no-shows.

A few tips to consider:

1. The day before, make a task list of things to accomplish for the next work day.
2. Use your Outlook/Gmail/iCal etc. calendar to book important meetings, gatherings etc. (it can come in very handy when you’re working away and a reminder pops up!)
3. Go old school and keep an agenda handy. Pen and paper will always remain our best friend.
4.  Verify appointments either the day before or in the morning.
5. Be very strict with your scheduling. If it needs to be done, so be it. But feel free to allot another chunk of time for the next day so that you can continue to work on more important projects.
6. Set realistic goals.
7.  Try to stay organized by keeping a clutter-free environment!

These are just a few things that I do on the regular that allow me to stay on track. And remember, in this day and age there is no excuse for a no show! Email, text, or better yet call. Respect the time of others, and believe that your time will be respected in turn.

What Does 2016 Have In Store for You?

Even though we are a good 20 days into the new year, I am sending an abundance of wealth and happiness your way for 2016.

With the above being said, you must have already laid out your plans to take over 2016. Some have decided to go the route of a resolution, or perhaps you created a vision board; while some just plant their feet in and get moving. Whatever works for you, do it. However, do not waste your time setting unimaginable targets.  Make sure that your plan is a solid and feasible one. As an entrepreneur, we are all aware how we can be our worst critic. Do not overextend yourself, be realistic. Be prepared to hit the ground running and tackle the achievable goals that you have set. It can all be accomplished one day at a time with the proper plan in motion.

I am hoping that your diabolical plan of action  for world domination in 2016 is already in swing, my friends. We have 347 days remaining, so go forth and make each step count, entrepreneurs!

Digital vs Day Planner – Which user are you?

Last week I was perusing the Facebook entrepreneur groups that I belong to, and fell upon a discussion that got me thinking.

A friend of mine was asking for input on a day planner for 2016. She would like to purchase one from a local Canadian entrepreneur (of course, if you know of any please let me know!). Upon her asking this question, I realized how far I have fallen from the original plan of pen and paper, and into the world of smart phones and cyber-calendars to organize my life.

I was raised on always having an agenda handy. In high-school we were trained to write down our homework that was due, and jot down notes about projects and the like. I continued with this ordinary run of things for years, right up into my adulthood. There were many a times that my trusty dog-eared agenda saved me from disastrous double-bookings and overlapping meetings. My agenda was was my safety net on many occasions, and I never left anywhere without it stuffed in my purse.

And then came along The Palm Pilot, Blackberry and every other smartphone you can think of to take me off course..

Yes, I metamorphosed into a digital calendar queen – constantly updating my calendar on the go with dates, appointments and notes. Paper?! Who needs paper! Everything is instantly done for you, no erasing, incessant scribbling or white out needed. Even if your phone crashes, everything is stored for you online. It is a fabulous thing. But i will be the first one to tell you how much I miss the nifty bonded agenda that I used to carry around. I miss the tangible feeling of having everything available at my fingertips. I`ve been in a jam many of times accompanied by a dead phone and no access to my calendar. Not to mention, I happen to have a pen fetish. What`s a pen fetish without a good agenda to scribble in? All of this came rushing back to me as I read my friends’ request in the group. Because of her, I am now on the hunt for a great 2016 agenda so that I can pick up where I left off – dog-ears and all.

Now if I can only find my Indigo gift cards in time for Black Friday.