Keep the big picture AND small steps in mind. When you connect small steps to vision, purpose, and values, your commitment is strengthened. You will find greater meaning and satisfaction in the small steps, and your vision will emotionally pull you forward.

“Susan” wanted to make changes in her life which would help her be spotlighted on the front page of her company’s sales report for the first time. She envisioned how her greater efficiency would affect her marriage (more time and energy available for it) and her commitment to help others (more money for generous giving). This bigger picture kept her former self doubts from creeping in. By the end of the quarter, “Front Page Susan” had exceeded her goal and grabbed the number one spot.

“Karen”, a burnt out middle aged VP, came to me for coaching very angry and resentful about how many hours she had been working, and for what she considered substandard pay. She wanted to tackle a few more big projects in her lifetime, but she didnÕt think she could continue at the same company. Through our work on identifying her values, she discovered that control over her time was what mattered. She asked for and received a four day work week. She discovered that her pay was not at equity, and she asked for and received a retroactive raise. Her company was able to save money on recruitment and training by retaining a valued employee.

Take the Time
To accomplish step one, you must learn to manage your time. First, you must set aside time to clarify your vision and plan the small steps. Business leaders learn the value of scheduling “closed door” time for this, allowing them to be guarded against interruptions.

Second, you must let go of tasks and duties that someone else can do, freeing time to focus on what best utilizes your strengths. Susan learned to delegate following up to her assistant. Karen hired work done on her house and garden so she could relax while at home, rather than working all of the time.

Third, you should arrange your schedule so you tackle the most challenging tasks when your energy is the highest and you have the most clarity and focus. Susan scheduled sales calls early in the morning, and time in the afternoon to complete her sales reports daily rather than procrastinating until Sunday night, leaving her weekend for husband and church. Previously, these two important areas of her life had been shortchanged. Knowing she would continue to work long hours for four days but have the fifth one to spend how she chose improved KarenÕs attitude, energy, and efficiency.

Last, but not least, take time for renewal. By continually pushing yourself too hard, you put yourself and therefore, your business and family at risk. Setting an example by taking time for renewal, you invite your employees to do the same. And your clients will be more likely to continue working with people who are pleasant rather than burned out and irritable.

To further boost her energy and efficiency, Karen began to read for fun again, spend more time with friends, etc. Taking time off for relaxation and renewal not only shows up on the list of common lifestyle characteristics of highest performance individuals, but is also endorsed by the Institute for Stress Management.

Marilyn O’Hearne, executive, life and transition coach lives out her purpose: renew, discover, and develop. She can be reached at 913-327-0611 or marilyn@marilynoh.com

Article Source: http://www.flourishmagazine.com