August started this week – did you notice?
In North America it is easy, too easy to kick back and say, “Everyone is going on vacation this month so I am going to chill out.”
Don’t Fall For It! Seriously Don’t! Really!
Here is one calendar fact to take note of – if you take August on the slow bell and decide to start picking up the phone again after Labor Day – that is September 5! Three working months left in the year (assuming you also think no one is going to be working in most of December as well).
My suggestion to you has three parts:
First is to spend one hour a day for the next three days and calendar out August, September, October and November.
What are your regularly scheduled items? Place those into your calendar. Are there any days off, holidays or trips you have planned? Get these into the calendar. Are there trade shows or events you will be attending? Place these into the calendar.
Now analyze what is remaining. Spend one hour a day for the following three days and determine what personal growth you want to complete during these months. Write down time in your calendar for a few hours each week for this – even if you do not have the program determined yet – make room for it as it is critical.
Second is to map out your goals for you, your faith, your family, your career, your business, your social life, your finances, your community and any other areas of importance to you.
Translate where the time will be allocated into your calendar during these four months for each of these areas of your life.
Third is to determine where you will find accountability to keep you on track and to your plan.
Yes, that is correct, you cannot do it alone. You might ask a close friend or business associate, however, this may feel a bit awkward. You might join a Mastermind Group to participate in and make this process part of what you speak about each time the group meets. Some of my groups which are facilitated by me on the phone and in person allow time for personal updates in order to hold people accountable for certain items at each meeting.
You might work with an Executive Coach. You will have to ask if they will hold you accountable as this is not necessarily part of the Coaching process, although it may be if that is what you are seeking as part of the arrangement. Remember this is a critically important step as seriously – you cannot do this alone.
In summary:
- Calendar the next four months for everything you are able to put a date on
- Map out your goals and make them part of your calendar
- Find a regular method of being held accountable
These are the three ways to propel yourself right in the beginning of August to launch into a productive next four months this year.
Mitch Tublin runs a boutique consulting company that brings out the untapped potential in individuals, teams and companies.
Do you want one-on-one guidance on making these three items and more take place for you this August? Work with Mitch either with a group or one-on-one.
Excellent suggestions!
Thank you Liz. I hope you implement them. Let me know how it goes.