Just STOP!

"However beautiful the strategy, sometimes you have to look at the results." -- Winston Churchill

The world is a busy place -- both personally, and professionally. Not exactly a new revelation, yet it is an important point when we consider our own participation in this realm of constant busyness. For years we've been participants in a rat race in which the actual outcome is probably still to be determined. There is no finish line -- only the need to just keep running. I've seen a great example of this right here in my own home.

Several years ago, my kids wanted a hamster -- a dwarf hamster to be exact. One of the first things we discovered is that hamsters love to run, and the majority of that running takes place at night. It was at this point we also discovered the true noise level of the exercise wheel. It didn't take long before we moved the cage to the lowest level of the house before turning in at night. Seemed to be a great solution for all and allowed our little nocturnal friend to run to his heart's content -- while allowing us a good night's sleep. 

One morning, as I was bringing the cage upstairs, I was struck by an interesting thought. No matter how much running our little furry friend did and no matter how fast he ran, he never left the spot where the cage was placed. Miles and miles of distance and effort only to be in the exact same place come morning. As I thought it about, I suddenly began to relate and ask myself: "How true is this for me and my efforts?" Unfortunately, it was a whole lot truer than I would have liked. Perhaps it is truer than you would like it to be, as well. 

In our busyness and our obligation and expectation to participate in the rat race, is it possible that we've merely become faster rats? Has the technology allowed us, or more to the point, forced us to strengthen ourselves for a harder run? Are we taking time to notice? Maybe it's time to just STOP!

In my coaching practice, I recommend that clients take some time to get off the hamster wheel and go through a Strategic Time Out Process. Following the STOP process on a daily basis, helps us to focus, plan, execute, review, adjust, measure -- and to do it more effectively. Best of all, it doesn't take long and it can be incorporated into anyone's schedule -- if we are willing to make the commitment. Here's what it looks like:

1. Make a daily appointment with yourself. Block off 15 minutes, four days a week and leave yourself 30 minutes on the fifth day. I use Friday for this extended session.
2. Find a quiet place and turn off all outside distractions. Yes, you can live 15 minutes with your smart phone turned off or in sleep mode. Turn off your email and any other distraction that can break your concentration.
3. Sit back, close your eyes and begin thinking about your business -- not from a tactical standpoint, but from a strategic standpoint. Get a clear picture of where your business really is, and what is really happening. Think about your main goals and objectives and ask yourself: "Am I closer to my strategic plan than I was yesterday? Is what I am doing today moving me closer or farther away from the business I'm trying to build or the results I'm trying to achieve?" 
4. Look at the 80/20 rule as it relates to your business plan, customer base, selling strategy, marketing efforts, and daily execution. Assuming that 80% of your revenue and results comes from 20% of your effort, honestly question yourself as to whether you are in the right place at the right time.
5. Finish your time out by choosing the one strategy or action that will make the biggest impact and write down your commitment along with a deadline for accomplishing the task. On the fifth day, use the extra fifteen minutes to reflect on the week and whether there is consistency and consonance in your daily approach. 
6. Do a careful review at the 30, 60, and 90 day milestones and track the effectiveness of your performance and note any adjustments or changes that need to be made in order to accomplish the original goal. Remember that plans, may change, but goals do not.
7. Be patient with yourself. It takes time and effort to master the STOP process and to derive the greatest benefit. It may take several attempts to get in the flow and maximize your time.

Committing to an ongoing coaching process can make a huge difference in developing the goals, strategies, plans, and accountability that can help move you and your business to the next level. I'd love to help.

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a Certified Behavioral Consultant.