Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

AdvisorBlast – Quick Tips to Accelerate Your Practice

In this issue: Use your most powerful, undervalued (and free!) tool: rest.

We love a fresh start. As we wrap up 2012, anticipation of new things in 2013 is all around. We get to start over, be better (hello New Year resolutions), have a clean slate full of potential and endless possibilities. That sounds promising, but do you have the energy to maximize the opportunities that lie ahead? 

With today’s always on the go – constantly wired-in culture, being able to concentrate on any particular task at hand is getting increasingly difficult to do. Most people feel pulled in dozens of different directions all at the same time and are exhausted. The holiday season and end-of-year business activities just seem to add to the frenzy.

This holiday season, take the opportunity to get some rest. It is one of the most important, yet undervalued tools we have.

It is an important time of year to turn your attention to reviewing and planning for next year, but if you don’t have the energy you need, the simple fact is that focusing on these items will only lead to frustration, as you continually sense you’re not performing at your best because you’re tired.

My swim coach always used to say to me, “You have half a chance with a rested horse…zero chance with a dead horse.” He was saying, if you’re rested, regardless of how the final preparation details have worked out, when it comes to competition day, you’ll at least be able to focus thoroughly, know what is needed, and summon the energy you need to perform strongly. If you’re thoroughly spent, success isn’t going to happen.

Yes, of course, to be most successful, you must have done the “hard yards,” the correct planning and preparation. But sometimes we get so caught up in preparatory activities, we’re too fatigued and mentally worn-out to perform well.

For any successful athlete or businessperson, the ability to focus and act precisely is just as important as getting ready. The only way you can achieve that effectively is to be rested and able to think clearly.

So, over this end-of-year season, do take the time to review and plan, considering:
* what you did well in 2012.
* what actions and processes you’d like to repeat in 2013.
* what you want to stop doing or being distracted by.

Then, over the Christmas season, say from December 21st (we’re not realistically going to tackle many new projects on Monday the 24th), set specific times to emotionally and mentally unplug from working. Ensure you get sufficient downtime to get your mind away from business, allowing it to rest and be grateful for the other people and situations in your life.

By mid January, things will again be moving as fast as they have been going this year, but you can feel recharged and fresh for the start of the New Year. You can be ready to hit the ground running and on your way to a great first quarter for 2013.

Have a restful and merry Christmas!
Paul

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