I like horses.

Flies like horses.

Spiders like flies.

Spiders build webs.

Keeping our horse barn ceiling clear of cobwebs is a never-ending job. It takes a methodical approach to broom off the cobwebs from the exposed joists that support the hayloft floor above. Spiders are industrious creatures. Given the right conditions, they can give the entire barn that spooky cobweb look in just a few weeks. Spending a little bit of time each week removing the array of webs has proven to be a lot easier than having to spend hours later trying to remove months of collection all at once. Cobweb removal is simple if it’s done on a regular basis.

Okay, okay you say, what do cobwebs have to do with me?

People develop quite a metaphorical collection of cobwebs in their heads, too. Have you ever had to clear the cobwebbed thoughts from your mind to stay focused on a project?

Mental cobwebs are mental clutter and we all know the effects of too much clutter in our lives. Mental clutter obstructs our vision, slows down progress and makes us feel overwhelmed.

The cobwebbed mental muddle we house in our minds needs regular cleaning for these reasons:

1. Just like an overstuffed closet, your mind does not function well when there is too much crammed into it.
2. Financial goals are easier to achieve in less time when you are clear on what the best steps are to achieve them.
3. Emotionally, you will have more energy and less stress when you are clear and free of mental clutter.

Just like sweeping cobwebs from a barn, a regular planning session to review what is important and what is clutter will help you remain focused on the important jobs.

Try these ideas to help keep the cobwebs clear.

1. Schedule a regular time to work on planning. Without choosing a time expressly devoted for the purpose of working on your business, the clutter will remain like hanging cobwebs. You and your employees love tradition and will keep doing what you have always done because that’s the way you have always done it. Without the luxury of a dedicated time for planning, you will be the victim of your own traditions.
2. A location away from your regular workplace will help emphasize the importance of your planning session. Interruptions by others and the temptation to be distracted by other things will be avoided by having your session “off-site”.
3. Planning sessions can be solo or with key people in your business. If you invite the participation of others, make sure they know the purpose of the planning meeting.
4. The session needs to last as long as necessary to remove the cobwebs of clutter and confusion and no longer. Planning is of no use if the results are never put into action. (Analysis paralysis)
5. Just like the barn cleaning exercise, planning sessions work best when they are held frequently for short periods of time instead of being held infrequently for mind numbing marathons.

Why not get your broom out this week and get rid of those mental cobwebs to make you personal and business life less cluttered and more focused?  

Focus on success by making time to plan - a skill that can help you grow your business!! This is just one of the eight strategies I can teach you to achieve that goal. Would you like to know more? click here

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." - - Alan Kay

"Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them." -- Agatha Christie

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." -- Groucho Marx

The four Emerson children of public school age started another academic year this week. Like most adults, the start of school always triggers my own memories of school days.  Since my children have the attention span of gnats when it comes to listening to their father speak on just about all subjects, I thought I'd share this thought with you.

Often, teachers report to parents that their children are not living up to their potential.  I suppose this rationalization is a positive note for parents to hear when their child's grades are averaging D across the board.  Potential implies hope and hope is what keeps us all moving.

After having and needing several decades to think this through, the only proper response to the observation that someone is not meeting his potential is the question, "And who is?"

I look forward to reading the written entry on my child's report card that says, "Charles is meeting his potential and exceeding it at times.  Please have him slow down as he is making the underachievers very nervous."

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Newsletter topic ideas and comments are always welcome. Send me an e-note.

Life is short, ride hard.

Doug

I also write a weekly electronic newsletter for Professional Horsemen. If you are interested in the business world of horsemen, or have friends in the horse business,take a peek. I am spurring others on to help me promote this newsletter.