The Power Of Teams

The Power Of Teams

by | Apr 5, 2017

“I’m sure you’ve all heard the adage “Teamwork makes the dream work”, but what exactly is a team and why is teamwork such an illusive quality that provides real competitive advantage?

Have you ever considered that one is a very small number for greatness.

Just think about it, every great enterprise has begun with at a team of at least two people. Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak led to the founding of Apple, Five talented musicians led to the formation of The Beatles and the story goes on and on.

By channeling the efforts, talents and resources of ourselves and our team members not only can we succeed faster and easier but also, through leveraging our combined resources, we are able to operate as a high performance team, and achieve more.

When individuals and teams are in a peak performance state, they are in a state that is often called Flow, where they are Joined Up and aligned.

Put simply, Flow is the path of least resistance. When team members are in Flow, productivity rises, results increase, occurrences line up, team members have more fun and feel more connected to the organisation.

Flow is a state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity, caught in a feeling of energised focus and full involvement. It is focused motivation, where the emotions are not just contained and channelled but positively energised and aligned with the task at hand.

When people are immersed in Flow, they can experience a distortion of time as their internal clock doesn’t seem to match the external clock. You may have experience this yourself

When team members are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, it’s a fairly good indicator that they are out of Flow. The opposite is true when they are in Flow, they feel joy and even rapture whilst performing the task; they are fully engaged.

In the work place, Flow can be seen where an individual’s challenges and skills are equally matched, thereby creating a harmonious environment.

When team members are in Flow the following occurs:

  1. Complete involvement in what they are doing – focused and concentrating
  2. A sense of ecstasy – a sense of being outside everyday reality
  3. Greater inner clarity – knowing what needs to be done, and knowing how well they are doing
  4. Knowing that the activity is doable – that their skills are adequate to the task
  5. A sense of serenity – no worries about oneself, and a feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of the ego
  6. Timelessness – thoroughly focused on the present, hours seem to pass by in minutes
  7. Intrinsic motivation – whatever produces Flow becomes its own reward

As difficult as teamwork is to measure and achieve, its power cannot be denied. When people come together and set aside individual needs for the good of the whole, they can achieve more than would appear possible on paper.

When teams are aligned behind a purpose that everyone resonates with, then office politics and confusion are eliminated. Team members gain a sense of connection and belonging by being part of something and this increases team engagement levels and satisfaction levels.

If you’d like to better understand how to leverage your talents and time, get into flow and discover the roles where you can add most value to a team, you could invest in a Talent Dynamics Assessment. You can purchase it here.

Wishing you a flow filled week.

Are Your Decisions Aligned With Your Purpose?

Are Your Decisions Aligned With Your Purpose?

by | Mar 28, 2017

We all have to make difficult and challenging decisions throughout our life and these decisions often impact the future direction of our lives. Questions such as: Where do I live? Who should I marry?. These are life-changing decisions.

In business, too, we have to make strategic decisions all the time. Should we launch this programme or that programme? Should I enter into a joint venture with this person or that person? Enter this market or that one? These decisions can impact the success or failure of a business.

Yet have you ever stopped to think about how many trivial decisions you make every day? A 2011 study by K. Douglas, reported in the New Scientist, revealed that we make up to 10,000 trivial decisions every day. Often these decisions are so trivial that we don’t fully think about their consequences but over time a number of these trivial decisions can magnify to have a great impact on our lives.

We live in an age when we are deluged in information. A New York Times Weekly edition contains more information than the average person in the seventeenth century would have come across in their entire lifetime. In 2008 we consumed three times as much information as in 1960 and by 2020 it is estimated that we will be generating forty-four times more data than we are producing today. This data deluge brings opportunities, too, as we can now get access to raw, unedited source data rather than having to rely on third party interpretations of the results. And yet when the sources of the data are so disparate and often supply conflicting information, which data source do you believe? How do you know which decisions to prioritise?.

Decision making becomes easier when the purpose of the business is crystal clear. It leads to bolder, quicker and better decisions. Rather than adjusting decisions according to the winds of public opinion or changes in the competitive environment, a purpose driven company takes these things into consideration while also being informed by something more soulful and worthwhile. This leads to superior overall performance. Purpose-informed decision-making is a critical connection between clarity of purpose and superior performance, financially and otherwise.

The US pharmacy chain CVS Health is a great example of a company that made a strategic decision to walk away from billions of dollars a year in revenue because a product was at odds with the company’s purpose. So what was the product and what was the situation?

The purpose of CVS Health is “to help people on their path to better health”. When CEO Larry Merlo realised this he also appreciated that “the sale of tobacco products was inconsistent with our purpose.” So he voluntarily decided to forego a source of $2billion a year in revenue. The decision was an easy one for him to make because of the clarity of the purpose of the company; a classic case of purpose-informed decision making in action.

The art of great decision-making is to ask yourself great questions. Often when we are unable to make decisions it is simply because we are asking the wrong questions. Simply asking the question “Why”, which is a purpose question, immediately helps you get clarity on what to do next.

The Unbridled Business Decision Making Framework is something I share in detail in the new edition of my latest book, Unbridled Business. And if you need help defining the purpose of your business then please reach out to me.

The Purpose Trumps Profit Everytime

The Purpose Trumps Profit Everytime

by | Mar 15, 2017

Are you clear on the impact you want to make in the world? Do you know the purpose of your business? These are questions I have pondering on over the last few months as I look at how to reset and re-ignite my business.

The world is changing, business models are changing and the old approaches to business are no longer working. Customers are seeking something more impactful, as are team members. Research by Neilsen has identified that in 2013 54% of consumers opted to purchase products with an environmental and social benefit, up from 20% in 1993.

Furthermore, according to Cone Communications, millennials who are the largest living segment of our economy, represent $2.45 trillion in spending power are 60% more likely to engage with brands that discuss and act on social causes. Combine this with the fact that 53% of millennials say they work harder when they feel the organization is making a difference. Surely it’s time for you to consider what impact and legacy you want your business to leave?

Here are some examples of companies that are making a real environmental and social difference. They have been called Evolved Enterprises:

Toms Shoes: they give a pair of shoes away to a child in need for every pair purchased. To date they have given away 35,000,000 pairs of shoes, which also means that they have sold 35,000.000 pairs of shoes.
Bombas: after learning that socks were the most requested item of clothing at homeless shelters, they set about re-inventing the sock and donate one pair of socks to the homeless shelter for every pair purchased. And in just 18 months they have donated 1,000,000 pairs of socks to the homeless shelters
Warby Parker: have partnered with VisionSpring and now distribute one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. By circumventing traditional channels, bypassing retail, designing glasses in house, and engaging with customers directly, they are able to provide eyewear at a fraction of the going price whilst combining that with making an incredible social impact. After just a few years the company is valued at over $1 billion according to the Wall Street Journal
And here’s the really interesting part research continues to show that this is not just a trend but a serious seismic shift. It confirms what you might have felt in your heart already but now the data is backing it up. It is VERY possible to do good in the world and do well for yourself and your company all at the same time.

Research by Raj Sisodia in his book Terms of Endearment reveals that between 1998 – 2013 the cumulative returns of Evolved Enterprises eclipsed the S&P500 by 1400%. That’s a 14 to 1 difference. So it is possible to make a profit whilst also doing good in the world. This is why purpose trumps profit everytime.

However, let’s be clear your reason and purpose to make a difference has to come from a genuine, authentic desire to make a greater impact in the world. Over the last two decades we have seen many companies embrace Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, however, many of these have failed to have real impact because the intention behind them has been flawed. Companies have engaged in CSR activities because they felt they should rather than they really wanted to and really valued the impact they could make. In today’s economy where trust and transparency are paramount applying the Evolved Enterprise framework for the wrong reasons will only fast forward your demise. You have been warned.

I’m really curious to hear about what impact you and your business are making, so please drop me an email and share that with me. And if you’d like to learn more about how you can create a purpose-driven, impactful business then please connect with me and let’s explore what’s possible

Is Time Your Most Valuable Asset?

Is Time Your Most Valuable Asset?

by | Feb 28, 2017

Jim Rohn, one of the pioneers of personal development once said: “Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it, kill it and spend it rather than invest it.” and this is as true today as it has ever been.

Time is a very elusive quality. We each have the same amount of time and yet how we use it is very different. How successfully we use the time we have determines our level of success – whether financial, spiritual or emotional.

I was recently reminded of the fact that there are 86,400 seconds in every day. Just imagine that these seconds are money deposited in your account. Every day the same amount of time/money is deposited in your account but the rub is that unless you use the time/money that day you lose it. It doesn’t accumulate. With this mindset what would you do differently to leverage the best use of those 86,400 seconds? Would you watch TV, or would you use it to grow your business or spend time with friends and family? Whatever your decision, it’s one that merits some real thought as all too often we just waste time, kill it and spend it, rather than investing it.

Here are some examples of how to invest your time?

  • Read a book
  • Learn a new skill
  • Develop yourself with coaching and mentoring
  • Build relationships with new prospects
  • Create new solutions that add value to your clients

This is why I am really excited to be hosting an event next week for a select group of women to  help them gain clarity on their top priorities. The art of self-connection is a one day workshop with the horses where I will personally help you get clear on your passion and purpose, understand what is driving you and help you prioritise what to do each and every day to achieve success.

This is a day away from the stresses and strains of daily life, where you are able to slow down, reflect and experience the power of real connection to self and others. A place where you you can invest in yourself and drop into horse time. It is only in this space that we can truly listen to our intuition and so make decisions that are really aligned with what we truly want.

Horses are masters at utilizing time so that it serves them rather than them being a slave to time, so come and experience what is possible when you learn from the masters. You can find out more and reserve your place here. The early bird pricing expires at midnight tonight so act now to secure your place. If you have any questions just give me a call or drop me an email.

Wishing you a super-productive week and I’d love to hear what you are doing to get maximum return on your 86,400 seconds per day, so please get in touch.

Are You Applying The Knowledge You Learn?

Are You Applying The Knowledge You Learn?

by | Feb 22, 2017

If you who have been part of the Business HorsePower herd for a while you will know that I love learning and acquiring new knowledge. I am always looking for ways to improve myself and the information and services that I share with you, my valued clients.

That is why I have just come back from a four day retreat where I have been developing my speaking skills and learning new strategies to help grow and develop my business.  It was a really intense four day experience where I learnt loads.  In fact I have come away with nearly an entire notebook full of new information and ideas that I can implement in my business.

Now learning and gathering information is great but here’s the rub. That is not enough.  The knowledge and information I have learnt is only of any good if I take action and implement it in my business.  And that’s the irony of going on courses.  Not only do you have to take time out of your business to go on them, you then need to schedule time when you get back to the office to implement and put all those ideas into action.  And if you fail to take action then you have just wasted valuable, time, energy and money.

I will admit to being guilty and oftentimes not implementing what I have learnt, but when you take action, that is when the rubber hits the road and real change and transformation happens.  Your business and life will never change by just learning about something. They only change when you take action.  And speed is your friend here.  The sooner you take action and start implementing what you have learnt, the sooner you will get results.

So have you been implementing all the ideas that I have been sharing with you this year about how to be more productive in order to achieve your goals?  If not I suggest you go back and read some of the previous editions of Wednesday Wisdom and start taking small steps now to implement all that I have been sharing.

Taking action is something that I did earlier this year when I was presented with the opportunity to be part of the Purpose, Passion, Profit Summit.  And today is the day that you can hear my interview with Helen Vandenburghe on how Entrepreneurial Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is impacting the results you are getting in your business.  If you haven’t already signed up to the summit you can do so here.  I am joined by over 30 other amazing women who have all been sharing great, actionable content on how to get into flow and grow your business. You won’t want to miss this.  Grab a pen, listen to the recording, make notes and then take action.  Start now by registering for the summit if you have not already done so.  You’ll be glad you did

Does Your Morning Routine Set You Up For Success?

Does Your Morning Routine Set You Up For Success?

by | Feb 15, 2017

From my extensive research I have found that successful people all have one thing in common. They get up early in the morning and have a very specific routine that they follow, no matter what. It is this routine and consistency each and every morning that sets them up for success.

Starting and maintaining a positive morning routine is an investment of a life time. It provides structure, builds life-changing habits, and creates momentum for the rest of your day. According to research, when you create and follow a morning routine, your stress and anxiety levels will begin to plummet and your life satisfaction levels will begin to soar.

In the words of Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning:

“How you wake up each day and your morning routine (or lack thereof) dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life. Focused, productive, successful mornings generate focused, productive, successful days — which inevitably create a successful life — in the same way that unfocused, unproductive, and mediocre mornings generate unfocused, unproductive, and mediocre days, and ultimately a mediocre quality of life. By simply changing the way you wake up in the morning, you can transform any area of your life, faster than you ever thought possible.”

If you want to make your morning routine stick, focus on making it a habit. A healthy morning routine instills a sense of purpose, peace and productive ritual to your day.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, says maintaining a good morning routine is no different than having a positive outlook.

“Over my 50 years in business I have learned that if I rise early I can achieve so much more in a day, and therefore in life. No matter where I am in the world, I try to routinely wake up at around 5am. By rising early, I’m able to do some exercise and spend time with my family, which puts me in a great mind frame before getting down to business.”

One of my goals for this year is to instill a better routine into my mornings. One that I stick to no matter what. There is no best formula for how your morning should look but some of the activities that successful people do every day include meditation, exercise, stretching and drinking green smoothies. Then prioritising their top three income producing activities of the day, which they then execute.  What they don’t do is get out of bed, react to emails, jump on social media and then find its lunchtime and half the day has already disappeared.

Each and every day there will always be important and urgent tasks that you have to get done, such as client work and sales conversations but there are also a raft of tasks that are important and non-urgent.  These important and non-urgent tasks include eating well and making sure you are taking care of yourself.  Let’s face it you can serve no-one if you are exhausted and not up to the job.  And yet time and time again I come across business owners that have not prioritised their personal well-being in their daily schedule.  They keep saying they don’t have time for exercise and yet studies [keep showing] SHOW that exercise helps make us more productive.  This is the conundrum.  We keep thinking we don’t have time when actually if we don’t take the time to do these things we won’t be able to sustain running a successful business.

Like everything, when you start to implement your morning routine, start with small steps. If you currently get up at 7am then trying to get up at 5am will be a stretch.  Why not just get up 15 mins earlier for a week and then the next week another 15 mins earlier. Soon you will reach your goal.  Likewise, don’t try and meditate for an hour, 15 mins is a great start.  It’s the same with exercise too. If 30 mins seems to long start with just 15 mins. Like everything it is the intention and commitment to take action that is JUST as important as the duration of the activity.

So, what are you going to do today to start putting better morning routines in place?  I’m going to take some of my own medicine now and go for a run!

Wishing you a great flow filled week.

The Power of No

The Power of No

by | Feb 8, 2017

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying “no” to 1,000 things”  Steve Jobs

Over the past few weeks we have talked a lot about taking action and staying focused, and the quote above from Steve Jobs sums this up so well. Staying focused doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, in fact learning to say No is probably the most powerful action you can take. One of the challenges that I come across time and time again with entrepreneurs is that they want to do everything. Maybe you can relate to this?. Entrepreneurial Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the curse of the entrepreneur because when it kicks in they jump from one project or shiny object to the next. And why is this? It’s because great entrepreneurs can see the opportunity and possibility in everything. And so they just want to pursue all possible options. The challenge is to remain focused when their energy and focus becomes distracted.

So how do you know what to focus on? Firstly, it is so much easier to say No when you are crystal clear what you want to say Yes to. When you have clarity on the reason why you are doing what you are doing, then it is easier to see what a distraction is. This is why, with every business owner I work with, we start by getting clarity on the purpose for the business. The purpose provides the GPS and sets the business owner in the right direction. After all, if for example, you were travelling to Singapore from London, you would instantly know that going to New York was not a sensible idea, as it is in exactly the opposite direction. So having a clear purpose helps you filter out distractions and items that might take you off course.

Having clear values also helps you know what to say No to because your values inform your thinking and actions. If you are asked to undertake a task that is in violation of your values then most likely you would not do it. Our values become our DNA, the basis of what we stand for. Without values we can become like a rudderless ship bobbing around on the ocean, getting swept one way and then the next, never making any progress.

As creative entrepreneurs we often come up with many different types of products and service lines. The reality is that you cannot be an expert at everything. When Mark Parker, become Nike CEO, in 2006, he asked Steve Jobs for his best advice and this is what Jobs said:

“Nike makes some of the best products in the world. Products that you lust after. But you also make a lot of crap. Just get rid of the crappy stuff and focus on the good stuff.”

Jobs calls the process of just focusing on the good stuff editing. It involves reviewing all your products, services and activities and then streamlining them. Whether it’s design or business strategy less is more. Nobody produces all masterpieces. You’ve got to edit it down and throw away the crappy stuff. Take away unnecessary hardware parts from your computer, unnecessary code and features from your app, unnecessary products from your offering, extra words from your presentation. This is not easy. It takes guts to take away a physical keyboard from a smartphone but the results can be astounding. Throw away the crappy stuff and focus on the good stuff.

So, how are you going to use the Power of No in your business? What crappy stuff are you going to release so that you can focus on the really good stuff? Think about this over the coming week and let me know in the Facebook group what you have said No to.

 

The Power of Opposites

The Power of Opposites

by | Feb 5, 2017

Given the choice, would you work with someone who’s similar to you and shares your views? Or would you prefer to work with someone who’s quite dissimilar, and has a different perspective?

Research suggests that we make better decisions in diverse groups than in homogeneous ones, but that we feel less confident in those decisions.  Why? Maybe because making decisions with people similar to us feels easy; if we’re all on the same page from the start it must be the right page, mustn’t it? The overconfidence that we’re prone to individually, gets multiplied in homogeneous groups.

On the other hand, making a decision with a bunch of people who have different perspectives can be a struggle. In a diverse group people often voice divergent views. They disagree with one another. Someone likely needs to compromise. And the whole thing can just feel a bit rocky. The decision may be better, but it doesn’t always feel better.

So teams need to ask themselves what they would rather have, an inferior decision that you feel really good about? Or a superior one, that doesn’t sit quite as well? Most of us would say we want the superior decision of course, but our actions typically don’t always back this up. A study has shown that despite the improved performance teams gain from the presence of a having someone who challenges the norms and provides a different perspective, when given the option to remove this team member most groups will will.  Why, because inherently we are seeking harmony and want to avoid any situation that rocks the boat.

Further, there’s working with someone different from you, and then there’s working with someone really different from you. In Talent Dynamics team member profiles are comprise of four different energies.  And although many people typically have a mix of all the energies, it is notable that the energies that are in direct opposition to each other are likely to find their counterpart more challenging. For example, the more Dynamo energy you have in your profile, typically the less Tempo energy you have (and vice-versa). Dynamo people are concerned with the big picture and are fast thinkers whereas tempo driven people are generally more grounded and act in slower, more methodical fashion. Likewise, the more Blaze energy you have, which means the more outgoing and people-focused you are, the less likely you are to connect with Steel energy people who value the task over relationships (and vice-versa again). Working with your “opposite type” can be most challenging of all, but it also may have the greatest opportunity for some real complementary value.

I often work with teams who’re grappling with this challenge. They know diversity can make them stronger, but when the going gets tough they need a bit of a reminder why it’s worth the effort. In these times I like to do an exercise called Power of Opposites. I ask groups of like-type individuals to brainstorm the value brought to the team by their opposite-type colleagues. And then we ask them to share their appreciation out-loud. In the best cases it can become a real love-fest. And it helps build goodwill among colleagues who may have a hard time working together.

Here are some of the highlights of what our teams have had to say:

Dynamo people love Tempo team members because they…

  • are grounded and practical
  • great at getting tasks completed
  • are full of new and interesting ideas

Tempo team members love Dynamo energy people because they…

  • see the big picture
  • great at getting things started
  • keep us moving forward at a swift pace

Steel team members love blaze team members because they…

  • bring a collaborative spirit to the team
  • keep an eye on team morale
  • encourage us to include diverse views

Blaze team members love steel team members because they…

  • help us keep track of the details
  • keep us focused
  • keep us out of trouble as very cautious

Does your team need a little extra incentive to embrace the challenge of working across types? You might want to try out this exercise yourself. And if you’re personally struggling to appreciate an opposite type colleague, you can even do this on your own. Why not start by sharing your thoughts here. What are your favorite things about your opposite type?

And if you are not sure which energy type you are then find out more and take the Talent Dynamics assessment here. I guarantee this will be the best investment you make, as it will help you get into flow and raise your awareness of how you interact with others.

There Are No Secrets To Success

There Are No Secrets To Success

by | Feb 1, 2017

Happy February 1st. It seems amazing that the first month of the year has already flown by. I hope that you are staying focused on your goals and are making progress. Success happens one step at a time so if you are feeling disillusioned in any way just remember that one step every day will eventually help you reach your goal. This is the power of the compound effect – little and often is the key. There are no secrets to success except taking consistent action, planning and course correction.

Now if you are like me you might be wanting it all now. I know I can be super impatient, but the reality is that nothing in nature happens immediately. Seeds take time to germinate before they bloom into flower. There is a flow to everything and as any farmer or gardener will tell you, if you try to rush a plant or vegetable to grow it never works.

That is definitely the case with my horses. Every time I go to the yard in a rush, they slow me down. It is as if they just know I need to do something now, so they mess with me and make everything take time. And yet when I am detached from the time perspective, and act as if I have all the time in the world, they respond and complete the tasks effortlessly.

This was certainly the case this morning when I had to move the ponies to another field. Since there is limited haylage in this new field (as its their lose weight field!) they typically resist going in here but this morning they followed me into the field with no problem at all. It took just minutes as they were so accommodating versus the 5-10 mins it usually takes to catch them and then lead them, usually very reluctantly, to this field.

The end of the month is a great time to reflect on what has happened. Remember you get paid on what you get done so take some time to list all the activities you did in January and the impact they had. Were all the activities moving you and your business towards your goals or on reflection were some of the activities a distraction.

If you found yourself spending your time doing lots of £10 an hour tasks rather than £250 tasks then recognize this. Learn that maybe doing these small tasks that could be delegated to others might be your avoidance or procrastination mode and resolve to make changes in February. One of the great things about being in business and having flexibility over your schedule is that you can learn from your mistakes and make immediate changes. The only mistake is not learning from what has not worked and continuing to do the same thing over and over a again.

I’d love to hear what you have learnt from reviewing your January performance and what news strategies and tactics you are putting in place for February. As always let me know in the Facebook group.

5 Ways To Simplify Your Life So You Make Fewer Decisions

5 Ways To Simplify Your Life So You Make Fewer Decisions

by | Jan 25, 2017

Did you know that a 2011 study by K. Douglas reported in the New Scientist revealed that we make up to 10,000 trivial decisions every day. Wow, that takes a lot of brain power, so it is hardly surprising that we become fatigued and overwhelmed. So what can we do to simplify our lives so that we need to make fewer decisions.

During a programme that I am following called the 90 Day Year I have recently come across the concept of the The Prada Protocol. This is a concept and way of thinking that has the power to free you from a lot of the distraction and overwhelm in our days, weeks and life.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling overwhelmed with all of the decisions you’re confronted with daily, even if they’re the small ones like, ‘what to wear’, ‘what to eat’ or ‘where to find something’. Then embracing the concept and thinking inside of the Prada Protocol will be a difference maker for you.

There are literally hundreds of ways to think about applying the principles to your life and business. There are areas of my own life I’ve even forgotten that I’ve applied this principle, because I’ve deliberately applied it for so long. (Which is an example of the power of it. No longer do I worry, think, stress over the trivial parts of life. I’m free to focus my attention and energy on things that truly matter.)

Below is a list of curated ideas I’ve captured to turn the light bulb on in your head for how to apply this principle across multiple areas of your life.

  1. What To Wear: How many hours a week do you waste time deciding what to wear?. I bet if you’re a woman it’s a lot, and then often you feel you made the wrong choice. I know I have often experienced this. Trying on loads of different clothes combinations and then finally make the wrong choice. When I was working in London it was easy. I had a handful of suits that I wore everyday. Not too many decisions to make each morning. And when I’m leading workshops with the horses I pretty much have a standard uniform that I wear – jeans, boots, fleece and usually a gillet. Having a “uniform” makes deciding what to wear easy and saves you time, energy and money.Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, summed up the value in wearing the same “uniform” every day when he said “I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community,”
  2. Knowing What Clothes to Buy: In the past I used to waste loads of money buying clothes I never wore. However, a few years ago I had my colours professionally done. I now know the palette of colours that suit me so I stop wasting time looking at clothes that don’t fall in this spectrum.   Best of all it means that I know that every item of clothing I buy will co-ordinate with the other pieces I already have. Plus it also means I’m buying clothes that suit my style.
  3. What To Eat: now I must confess to being a real amateur in this area of automating my life. My friend Zoe is meticulous at planning and preparing all her meals for the following week the weekend prior. The result is that she always knows what her and her husband are eating and she doesn’t waste money on buying food that then is not used and goes off. I’m not sure I could be that disciplined but I do know that in the past I have had organic veg delivered weekly, and have also experimented with having meals delivered. Both of which ensured I always ate healthy, nutritious food. Maybe that is something I should start again.
  4. Managing Your Finances: Setting up simple systems to help manage your finances can be a God send. Each month I have a number of transfers set up that direct money from my business account to both my personal bank account but also my savings and business expenses account. For my business expenses I track all the activity in Xero and Crunch Boards, whereas for my personal money I use Money Dashboard. It means I can quickly and easily see where I am spending my money. Plus because all the payments are automated it means that I don’t overlook paying something. Just one more thing I don’t have to think about.
  5. Outsourcing Various Aspects of Your Life and Business: I have talked in many other posts about the importance of team and focusing on your strengths. Outsourcing allows you to get additional support in your business and life, enabling you to focus on your brilliance. It also avoids the stress of you wasting time trying to complete a task that simply you don’t have the optimal skill set to do. The great thing is that technology enables lots of activities in your business to be automated – such as customer follow up – but also you can outsource low value activities in your business and life such as email and cleaning your house. Just imagine how much simplier and easier your life would be if you knew the house got cleaned weekly; or you knew your email was being handled daily.

So my thought for this week is how can you simplify your life. What activities can you automate, delegate or ditch, so that you no longer need to make decisions about them, and so create the space for you to focus on the really important things that matter to you.

If you’d like to start living a more simple life and start acting like real high performers do, then please share with me in the facebook group what insights you had from this post. And importantly start implementing them into your life.

 

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