RETREAT!

When was the last time you took the time to get away from your daily routines and really think about your life and business? Having just returned from a refresher training for Best Year Yet TM, I am recommitting the time on a regular basis to step back, reflect, renew and refocus my priorities. And I encourage you to do the same.

For eons wise people have known the power of silence and reflection. Yet in our insanely fast-paced world very few of us ever really stop to take a good look at where we are, where we want to be and ask whether we're on track. It reminds me of the story I heard once about a bus driver who, after several hours driving a bus full of passengers turned and made this announcement: "I have good news and bad news. The bad news is I have no idea where we are, the good news is we're making really good time!"

If you've had the feeling lately that you're like that bus driver it may be time to schedule a retreat. Time away to reconnect with what you value. A time set apart to review your goals and how you're living your life. Here are some suggestions on how to comandeer and then make use of the time you take for reflection.

First, recognize there will never be a "good time" a "best time" or a "right time". We often think the merry-go-round of life will slow down long enough for us to incorporate this reflection time into our lives. We claim that "when this next project is finished" or "when the kids are away this summer" we'll slow dow and take the time to examine our lives. Has the merry-go-round slowed down yet? No, most likely not. And it's not likely to anytime soon. Therefore, if you want to have time to retreat and reflect you're going to have to claim it. Put it on your calendar, in your Outlook and start notifying all interested parties that you will be unavailable for a day or at least part of a day. And then let nothing come between you and this valuable appointment with yourself.

Secondly, find an appropriate location. You don't have to spend a lot of money or take a day at a high-priced spa to do this. You might want to have your retreat in a quiet local park. Perhaps you can get away to the mountains if you live near some. I prefer natural environments because it forces us to literally stop and smell the roses but any quiet location away from techno-noise and intrusion is fine. Please put your Blackberry away for the duration. Inform others that unless there is a true emergency (serious illness, accident, or a death) that you are not to be interrupted.

Third, have a process. I absolutely love the Best Year Yet process of asking and answering 10 questions that while deceptively simple have a truly transforming effect on how you view and live your life. Some people like to journal as the point of entry. I have a daily journal that poses several questions to help me reflect on what is happening. What's the best thing happening in your life right now? What is bringing you joy? What would you like to have more of? Less of? What would you be willing to change in order to have more or less of it? You get the idea.

Finally, find a way each day to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection. During one of my recent morning meditations I was gifted with a profound message: "Wisdom reveals itself to the quiet mind." It has become a reminder for me that the greatest gift I can give myself is that quiet time for regular reflection.

Take a moment, pause and reflect on today's message. Then schedule your time away. As always, I welcome your insights and feedback.

Quote of the Week:

"Solitude is such a potential thing. We hear voices in solitude we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of life. We receive counsels and comforts we get under no other condition..."

~~Amelia Barr
American writer & journalist

"Transforming Your Potential into Performance!"
Betty Mahalik, PCC Life & Business Coach, Trainer bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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