Entries For: November 2008

In the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to experience two different versions of strategic planning.

My personal strategic planning process: A week-long retreat at the beach. Just me and our dog, Andy. Piles of books for reference and inspiration. Sheets of blank paper, colored index cards, markers, pens, poster board. My calendar - for 2008 and 2009 - to review, celebrate, project and dream. No e-mail and a cell phone that only worked when I drove up to the store.

A client's strategic planning process: For the third year in a row, Shannon Knapp, President of Horse Sense of the Carolinas in Marshall, NC assembled her team for some focused intense time of goal setting and planning. There were 6 of us meeting at her farm - her husband (and business partner), the practice administrator, her CFO, her marketing consultant and me! We had 3 computers, a flip chart and plenty of food. We accomplished a lot in just one day.

The common denominators:

1. Space to plan. Blocking out a day or several days to think about the future. Claiming the time in your calendar is critical. Choosing a supportive, nurturing environment is also important.

2. Creative tools to support planning. Think ahead to determine what you'll need. It can be as complex or as simple as you want to make it. Computers, spreadsheets, flip charts, calculators, calendars... or blank paper and a pen.

3. The outcomes. Identify the key issues and new priorities. Specific goals and objectives with a timeline to complete things in. Determining critical next steps for the health and vitality of the business.

There are still a few weeks left until the New Year. Pull out your calendar and block out an afternoon, a day or several days to work on your business. Planning today for a bright tomorrow is a terrific investment of your time and brain power.

I work with clients all the time on their negative thoughts and limiting beliefs - whether it's about money or relationships or work or family... you name it. But now I'm working on some of my own.

I've been working on some health issues lately and one of the important components to regaining my health is daily movement.  I thought if I was doing something 30 minutes 3 times a week, I was doing pretty well. But my doctor is encouraging me to do something active every single day.

Here is my inner battle to shift my stinkin' thinkin' about exercise:

"I hate to exercise!"

"C'mon, E. Is that really true? You don't hate all exercise and you don't hate it all the time. There are some parts you like sometimes."

"Oh yeah, like what?"

"Well, you like being out in nature when you walk Andy in the woods."

"Um, yeah, I guess so. But I hate to sweat!"

" Yes, but remember that guy you dated in college who thought that sweat was sexy? Try to remember that."

"Uh, OK. But I get so tired when I exercise."

"Just think how tired you get when you don't work out for several days in a row. Exercise actually helps you to feel better and have more energy, even when it's hard to get motivated."

"Yes, you're right. OK so what can I think so that I can have a more positive attitude? I don't want to say stuff that isn't true for me!"

"Well, try these affirmations:

- I feel great after I exercise.

- My body gets healthier each time I work out.

- Andy needs to be walked anyway!

- I am learning to appreciate the important role of exercise in my life.

- I sleep better when I exercise.

Everytime I catch myself thinking 'I hate exercise" I immediately stop myself and say "WAIT! that's not totally a true statement. What is true for me?"

Try it and see what works for you... let me know what habits you are trying to change.