Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

AdvisorBlast – Quick Tips to Accelerate Your Practice 
In this issue: Small steps now will set you up to begin the New Year leaner and stronger.

No, that’s not a typo. Lose wait – as in stop waiting for the New Year to begin taking new action on your objectives. With the end of the year in sight, it can be easy to start thinking, “In the New Year, I’ll….” Instead, decide what you need to change most and begin taking small steps now.

By taking action to begin new habits in the last quarter of this year, you’ll hit the ground running the first week of January, with some momentum already behind you. You’ll also finish this year stronger, making the most of the time left to tweak habits and routines you want to be more disciplined about. By starting now, you’ll be a whole three months ahead by the time 2015 rolls around.

Don’t wait. Beginning something new or changing habits at this time of year will take some extra effort on your part. You can do it – just make a plan and commit to following through. Consistent little steps make a big difference.

• Recognize the end of the year is a busy time, but that means it’s all the more relevant to get into the habit of time-blocking your day now, rather than waiting until “after the holidays.” Start today: pull out your mobile phone, set the timer for 55 minutes, then hit start. (I set mine for 55 minutes on/10 minutes break. During the break I get up, move around, get a coffee if I want one, view email, then turn email off, hit the start button again and go.)

• Time to rearrange your file drawer never “just happens.” Rather than just keep loading things in a folder to get to later, book 15 minutes on your calendar each day for the rest of this week to tackle one aspect of your filing system you need to de-clutter so it will work better for you. (Trust me on this one: I’m expert at the “get to it later” pile. I’m committing to 15 minutes each day this week!)

• Accept that the days are getting shorter, but decide in advance that darkness in the mornings or evenings will not stop you from your planned workout. (Meeting a friend or committing to a class can help make this a set appointment that won’t get put off.)

• Don’t wait until you’re setting New Year’s resolutions to decide to spend more time with your family. Look at your calendar now and schedule a weekly date time with your spouse. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy; just make a specific time to be together. (My wife and I recently started going for a hike together on Sunday afternoons.) We don’t hesitate to set aside dedicated time for clients; we shouldn’t hesitate to do it for our family. Do the same with your children.

Getting started with smaller steps may even give you the confidence and motivation to start tackling bigger issues in the New Year. Get going!

Paul

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