Running a business was never supposed to be easy.  You work around the clock keeping clients happy, keeping your team supported (and happy!), growing / planning and strategising in your business.  Then you fit in sports, family, errands, hobbies (hobbies!!) and, well, life.

When was the last time you took a day off and did absolutely nothing?

When was the last time you stayed 100% present while reading a bedtime story for your little boy?

When was the last time you went to the doctor – just for a checkup?

If you could answer any of the above then hats off to you.  Tell me how you do it because I still struggle! If on the other hand you can’t remember when you last did something like the points above then I have 5 words for you.  5 words I’m doing my best to remember daily – and act on.

Stop and smell the roses

Only by doing this do you give yourself the same respect you give your loved ones, your clients, your colleagues and your friends.

And only by doing this to you give yourself the space to refresh, energise and do a better job – of work and of living.

So, as you know (maybe) this is an area I kept putting off … until my life fell apart for a period earlier this year.  Nothing like a wall in front of you to help reassess your priorities!  Here’s some ways I’ve found to ‘walk the walk’ this year:

1. Be present 
2. Be respectful
3. Be positive

That’s it!  Yes there are all the time management, leadership, productivity and mindfulness tools I’m using – they are just tools.  By focusing on being the 3 P’s above everything else fits in.  In order to be respectful I don’t work every evening, and in order to be present when I’m throwing the stick for the dog along the beach in the morning I’m not going through my to-do list for the day in my head.  In order to be positive I deal with, then put aside the negative.  All these help me smell the roses – and give me the space I need to be the best me I can be.

Not much of a virtual assistant post this week is it?  But it’s a business owner post and that’s what I am, and who my clients are.

So, do you smell the roses?

If not, download your free guide here and see how you can outsource to a virtual assistant and take some time for yourself.