You have zillion things to do, fires to put out, clients to call, prospects to meet, kids to cart around… Where do you start? When and in what order? How do you manage to keep your focus positive, on the big picture; your vision of the future AND maintain your day-to-day business activities, managing the daily scrambles, fires, employee, client and financial challenges AND have a life??

Let’s call it VASPA!!

Vision – Are you clear about where you’re going? Crystal Clear?
Applied Faith – Do you believe, without any doubt, that you are willing, able and deserving of this goal?
Systems – What is the system or process you’re using to keep moving forward? Are you setting goals, specifying what needs to be done / when AND taking into consideration the life that happens at the same time?
Perseverance – When everything in your being is screaming “What is all this for?? I’ve been working like a dog forever and for WHAT????!!” do you hold onto your vision, let your faith in the outcome snap you out of it and pick your self up and get going again? Or do you change course and do something different?
Accountability – Do you do what you know you should do? Are you honest with yourself, especially when the going gets tough? Do you work late into Thursday night when you’ve set a goal for yourself to be finished by Friday – or do you decide it won’t really matter if you wait until Monday?

I know, I know. It's easier said than done. How can you find the time to focus on future planning or work on a project that might be important to your future vision, with so many fires to put out, clients to satisfy, kids to cart, etc?

...but, that’s what you’re going to have to do.

ACTION STEPS
You can tackle this type of planning on your own. There are many do-it-yourself avenues to choose from: Software, books, articles, formulas, each with their own angle, characteristics, level of detail, and relevancy to your situation, quality and value.

You can also develop a system for determining the action steps, implementation and “keeping the faith” on your own as well. However, if you lack the discipline to carry this forward on your own or if you are just too overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, get some help. You aren't alone.

Work with someone – hire a business coach or consultant who has the expertise you need, whom you can trust with your sensitive information and with a system that matches your work style.

You can also join forces with a partner, colleague or peer with whom you can develop a supportive bond, hold each other accountable for following through on your plans.

Or, of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you that you can also hire Bold Vision Consulting or apply to join an Ocular Forum group. Regardless of how you do it, consider the time and resources put toward this effort an investment, not expense. You must invest in what is best for your business, yourself and your future. If done correctly, it will be the highest return on investment - ROI - you will ever make.

Sponsored by Bold Vision Consulting, the Ocular Forum is a membership based confidential peer group for small business owners. An Ocular Forum membership supports long-term and annual planning helping you keep your eye on the “prize”, gives you with a system for implementation and follow through and support, encouragement, and confidential advice while holding you accountable for taking the actions important to your success. There are two Ocular Forum memberships being formed:

Portland Maine – Applications due September 14
Waltham, Massachusetts – Applications due September 14

Meetings are monthly and membership in each Ocular Forum group is limited to 6. Call 207-221-3492 or visit http://www.boldvisionconsulting.com/OcularForum.php for more information.

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