Celebrate and Appreciate!

Susan Clements

Executive Director, E-Myth Iowa

“So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done.”
-- Marian Wright Edelman

If you’re like most people, juggling work, family and community obligations, you live in the future, worried about the list of things that need to be done––that never-ending, ever-growing list. It’s easy to get so overwhelmed about what needs to get done, that you don’t stop to enjoy what has been accomplished––or to show appreciation to those that helped you accomplish it.

The “To Do” List

If your “to do” list feels overwhelming, then I suggest you are living in a state of being overwhelmed. A list is quite simply a list––nothing more, nothing less.  Don’t give your list the power to change your attitude––to make you overwhelmed, depressed, scared, or irritated. Your list is a picture of what’s possible, nothing more, nothing less. 

If your list seems impossible, change your attitude by changing your list:

• Reduce your list by taking items from a big list and create a “To Do Today” list
• Prioritize––always have a “top three” to focus on
• Break big tasks into smaller benchmarks and set timelines
• Identify items that can be delegated to others
• Consider out-sourcing ongoing tasks
• Block your time to focus on specific items (don’t allow distractions to interfere)

The “Done” List

Although I’m not a propionate of living in the past, I suggest you save your “to do” lists. Slip them in a folder or save them in your computer and set aside 15 minutes once a week to review what you have accomplished. Make a list of who helped you, encouraged you, or made it possible to check an item off your list(s).  Dwell in the pride of your accomplishment and be thankful for those that helped you achieve results.

Celebrate and Appreciate 

Like personal relationships, business relationships need nurturing. People need to know they and their work are appreciated. Celebrate with others what has been accomplished, what worked well and what results were achieved. Take the time to talk with them and tell them you appreciate their contributions. Be specific and describe their role in what has been accomplished. Most of all…take time to be thankful for all that has been done.

Susan Clements is Executive Director and co-owner of E-Myth Benchmark, a business coaching company serving businesses in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and the UK.  As a business coach Susan has steered client businesses through growth initiatives, sales and marketing strategies, management restructuring, personnel issues, customer service challenges, and action plans for growth and change. Leveraging a personal and professional experience platform of business ownership and management of businesses in both the private and public sector, Susan has designed a revolutionary coach training and delivery system that tools E-Myth Benchmark coaches to actively engage in results based coaching with business owners, leaders and managers leading to greater freedom and flexibility.  E-Myth Benchmark provides E-Myth Mastery Impact™ business coaching, business management and leadership workshops, trainings and seminars.  Contact Susan at www.e-mythcoaching.com or sclements@e-mythcoaching.com.