The summer brings with it the natural tendency for many of us to
slow down a little, take vacations and take in all of the
magnificence that living in Colorado and the mountains has to
offer. It’s awesome right?
Summertime could also be a fantastic time to reflect on our
lives, our businesses, our goals and our dreams, inspiring us to
try new things and explore new ideas.
Sometimes we find ourselves running on autopilot. Just doing
what we do in the same way we have always done it, only because
that is the way we have always done it. We all seem to know what to
do, but sometimes we get a little too “routine” for our own good.
We may have even forgotten what we did that brought us tremendous
success when we first started out. And most times as we reflect on
it, we remember that it was hard work mixed with creativity. And I
will be the first to share with you that it has been true for me
personally as the harder I have worked, the luckier I became.
When was the last time you looked at your life or your business,
your sales territory or even your relationships with new eyes? One
of the best practices I have learned over the years is to take some
of my quiet times, or down times and sit with a pad of paper, a bar
napkin or coffee napkin and list of all the ideas that pop into my
head such as all of the business ideas, crazy thoughts, goals,
dreams, tasks, action items, and random feelings that allow my mind
to explore the wonderful opportunities that await me.
If you really want to generate some buzz and excitement,
schedule a couple of hours with your team, associates or family and
call it a great ideas session. Use white boards or flip charts and
let everyone contribute ideas, concepts and feelings. The results
will take you to new heights.
Having practiced this often one of the secrets I have learned
that is really helpful is this, never question your list. Let it
form freely, writing down everything as it comes into your mind.
Imagine all of the “what-if’s” and the “what could be’s” and
capture them as they come. Then after you have exhausted your
mind, and it’s time to get back to life, revisit your list,
prioritize your list, clean out your list and commit to at least
one or two items on your list that you will take ownership for
seeing through.
Do this with an open mind, and watch as a few things happen.
Your creativity will motivate you, your spirit will feel renewed
and your lists will grow and take on a life of their own.
You don’t need to be sitting in a training session to be
reminded of all the wonderful things you used to do or to spark
that creative genius that launched your career, business or
relationship. You don’t even need technology, all you need is a
sheet of paper, a napkin and a pen. Try it, you will be amazed at
what you uncover about your ability to think and grow.
Keep those emails coming, I love them and look forward to
hearing all about your new lists and ideas at gotonorton@gmail.com. Maybe the
first thing on your list should be ideas around how to make it a
better than good week.
Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former
president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder
of www.candogo.com.
