"Procrastination is the thief of time."
--- Edward Young
Napoleon Hill once said, "Don't wait. The time will never be just right." That is so true when it comes to running our businesses. When we wait for the "perfect moment" or "just the right time," we find that it never comes. In the meantime, profitable opportunities pass us by.
While we wait on a better economy, better weather, to hire or fire someone, etc, we skip over precious moments of time when the fruit is ripe for picking. There is never a perfect time, never an occasion when the stars all line up and point the way to your ship that just came in. Start from where you are, with what you have and make things happen.
"A man without passion is only a latent force, only a possibility, like a stone waiting for the blow from the iron to give forth sparks."
--- Henri Frédéric Amiel
One of the best ways to stop procrastinating and to strike fast is to reinstate your passion for the business. Recall your days of when you first began your enterprise. Do you remember the excitement? Can you remember the jolt of energy you used to take chances and grow your business? Get that passion back and let it drive you once again!
"Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them."
--- Stephen Covey
In his book, Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy addresses the problems most people have with their to-do lists and accomplishing the important tasks first. Tracy says that successful people don't try to do everything. They learn to focus on the most important tasks and make sure they get done.
In his book, Tracy says that, "There's an old saying that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it's probably the worst thing you'll do all day." In other words, dig in and do the things that you don't want to do first. Similar to what you had to do when you first started the business. You were probably the president, secretary and janitor rolled into one, but you did what it took to get rolling.
"Either he's dead or my watch has stopped."
--- Groucho Marx
Begin CPR on your mission statement and keep alive the dreams and goals you once had for your business. Set new goals beginning today that will set a fire under your tush and that will cause you to take some risks in order to achieve.
"If you wait until all the lights are "green" before you leave home, you'll never get started on your trip to the top."
--- Zig Ziglar
As your business grows, the risks seem to become harder because of the added responsibilities. Don't let the drive die. Dust off that ole entrepreneurial spirit you once held high and visible. It may help to check out some motivational books or CDs from the library or attend seminars that will inspire and encourage you to get the gumption and zip back into your giddy-up.
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SGIA '06: Show Recap 'Exhibiting the Future Now'
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When SignIndustry.com visits friends at the SGIA Expo, we are never surprised at the level of professionalism, expertise, and creativity that is displayed down the isles, in the booths, and at the seminars. SGIA '06 was no exception producing a special excitement in the air with abundant energy and a sense of exhilaration.
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In a grocery store in Dennsiport, MA:
"Snickers, 5 for $1.00(limit 4)"
On a dock in Juneau, Alaska:
"Safety ladder, climb at own risk"
Sign in front of bankrupt store:
Have you seen any funny signs lately? Why not share them with the world? Send your comments, suggestions, and hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.