For those of you who regularly read my columns, you know I’m passionate about bringing great examples and sound tactics on becoming more proficient and profitable in sales and marketing – and in growing your business. While reflecting on the articles I’ve written, I realize there is more that fits into the equation if you want to run a successful business – let’s explore further.
I find when I set aside “me” time, my “work” time seems to flow much better with less stress. As I’ve explained before, I realized many years ago that leading a balanced, healthy, happy and fruitful life means I need to come first, my wife and children come second, friends are third and business is last. If I don’t take great care of myself first, how can I take the ultimate care of my family, friends, business and even my community?
I believe that when one is mentally, physically and spiritually whole, everything falls into place. Yet we often neglect ourselves for the sake of getting ahead in business.
Years ago I promised myself that I would take a vacation once a month – nothing long or elaborate, just a one- or two-day getaway, to regroup and regenerate. Here are few other methods of quickly taking a break in order to reenergize your batteries and feel good about you – I promise it will make a BIG difference in every facet of your life!
1 ) Take a walk – Daily I will take a brief walk, even if it’s for five or 10 minutes. Leave your cell phone at home and enjoy the surroundings as you walk; take it all in. It feels so good – and empowering – to be temporarily completely disconnected!
2) Reach out to a friend or family member just to say hi – If you’re like me you have a ton of friends and family, many of whom you haven’t connected with in some time. So, reach out and rekindle and reconnect. Keep it brief but make sure to set another time to speak further.
3) Eat lunch – You have to eat but don’t do it at your desk. Purposefully get away from your desk and eat somewhere else – at the dining room table, a bench in a park, your patio or deck – get out and enjoy!
4) Take a nap – Where and when applicable, a 10-minute power-nap can do wonders for rejuvenating and re-kickstarting your afternoon. While I don’t do this often, I’ll do it a couple of times each month – and the results are amazing!
5) Read a chapter in a book – I love to read and try to read about a chapter a day, more if possible. Most times I do this while having lunch. I love business books but really enjoy reading about things of interest: wine, skiing, scuba diving and travel to name a few.
6) Listen to a few good songs – Closing my eyes and getting lost in some music is something I really love. And it's an exercise that really stimulates my creativity. Before working on a project, I typically will immerse myself in a few songs that get the energy flowing – Motown Philly is one that works for me.
7) Stretch – and practice controlled breathing – Being a martial artist I have come to appreciate the amazing benefits of light stretching and controlled breathing. Breathing in a controlled, focused manner helps align the body and mind and creates full relaxation and mental acuity. After working an hour or so on the computer or the phone, stand up and gently bend forward, move your arms in a circular motion – all the while inhaling gently and deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth gently until all the air is gone. Repeat four or five times and feel the relaxation.
8) Laugh… a lot! – sometimes I will take a break and log on to Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) and search “make me laugh.”
9) Exercise – Longer term activities that get you moving offer great rewards. Take a fitness class, Zumba, Taekwondo or TaiChi – anything that gets the blood flowing. Set a goal for yourself to work out. It can actually extend your life – 280 days ago my doctor told me I HAD TO LOSE WEIGHT, if not, it would not be pretty. I was 265 pounds, today as I write this, I’m 213, that’s right 52 pounds gone and I feel like a new person. I set a goal and did it – wasn’t easy, but certainly worth it!
10) Take a class – Besides exercise, find something new, something you’ve never done before and take a class. Years ago I wanted to know how to make a stained glass lamp – so I took a class and made one. It was relaxing and I learned a great deal about color selection, grains and tones of different glass types – and all of that played into my business life: colors, tones, graphics and pairing things together. Interesting how basic things can connect on various levels.
11) Get a massage – I like this – my favorite! I try to get a massage at least once a month – and it doesn’t need to be expensive. Look for a local massage school. The one in my area charges $20 for an hour massage where the students practice. Massage allows for improved circulation, which provides both relaxation and better concentration/focus.
These are but a few things you can do to take care of you. Did you notice that many of the things suggested don’t cost a cent, just a little willpower. Remember, when you are at the top of your game at every level everyone you touch benefits, family, friends and business. I leave you with this final quote from Kaylee Howard, “You can’t pour from an empty cup… take care of yourself!”
Until next month, GOOD HEALTH and continued good selling!
For more than 30 years, Cliff has been speaking, training and consulting internationally to associations and national business groups on more effective ways to market themselves, their products and services, as well as motivating their personnel. Recognized by PPAI for his creativity, he has won the prestigious PPAI Pyramid award 25 times, and the Printing Industry's PSDA’s Peak Award for creativity five times in three years. He has also received PPAI's Ambassador Speaker of the Year Award six consecutive years and was the inaugural recipient of PPAI's Distinguished Service Award. Named one of top six industry speakers and trainers, he also was recognized by PPAI in the book, "PPAI at 100," as having a significant influence in education. He has also been recognized by Counselor Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in the Promotional Products Industry. You can engage with Cliff at http://www.myengagepage2.com/cliffquicksell.