I really like summertime. It is the time of year when I get the most time off, and we take our biggest family vacation. It feels more laid back as there is less hustle and bustle on the roads and highways when school is not in session. It’s great for the kids as they kick back, enjoy camp, be with their friends and just play. For me, it is the perfect balance between work and fun.

But just like that, summer is about to become a thing of the past.

In just a little while, the fall season and everything that comes with it will be upon us – PTA meetings, back to school nights, orientation, school meetings, field trips, sports practice, homework, and more homework.

The list is long enough to make anyone say – WHEW!!

Like it or not, the wave is coming. However, I am wondering where you are in all of this? I have no doubt you’ve been taking care of everything and everyone else as you manage work, family and household needs. You have been working hard – really hard – on your business to reach your most important goals.

I am wondering if you were kind to yourself this summer and took care of you.

There are a lot of business coaches out there talking exclusively about business fundamentals, business planning, strategies, techniques and the like. However, few are discussing the impact of self care and business success. Maybe that’s more of a life coach thing, huh? Well, I disagree.

I believe in order to have true business success you must take care of self – ALL of you that is (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually).

The bottom line is all the business know how and experience in the world will not yield the kind of results you are seeking if:
-your mind stays cluttered, crowded and disallows your creative juices to flow;
-you lack physical stamina, energy and clarity of thinking;
-your body is weak, stressed, and unhealthy;
-you feel fearful, doubtful, and overwhelmed with the weight of business ownership;
-you lack the faith, confidence, inner strength and wholehearted belief that you can be successful.

Do yourself a favor and TAKE A BREAK – yes, before the fall season settles in and all the craziness and hustle and bustle starts, take time out for you.

You deserve it. And your body and business will benefit greatly from it.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT: If you had to rate the degree you are taking care of yourself on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest) what would you say? If it’s a 4 or 5 – GREAT – keep up the good work.

If it’s a 3 or less we need to talk.

What aspect of YOU have you neglected? What do you need to do MORE of to feel whole: Eat better? Sleep? Exercise? Pamper? Declutter your mind/work/home environment? Journal? Pray? Trust and believe? Affirm self? Surround yourself with positive minded people? Give and receive? Allow others to help?

What else?

Review the list above and ask yourself, “Do I need to do more of this? In doing so, what will this do for me personally and the success of my business?” Commit to working on two or three of these areas for at least 2 weeks. Post self care reminders and messages all around – your home office, your office at work, your bedroom, kitchen, laundry room, family room, and any other part of the house you frequent on a daily basis. Share what has been working for you and inspire other women to follow suit.