8. 0430

0430.

The time I awoke each day during my Iraq deployment to run before temperatures soared and the thick black smoke of the burn pit permeated the air.

(Note – if you are a Veteran who was exposed to toxic burn pits while deployed, I encourage you to check out the Burn Pit Registry and the recent PACT Act legislation.)

Did I like getting up at 0430? No, but it helped me maintain my physical and mental health. I met a colleague each morning and the accountability we established encouraged us both.

I laid out clothes and shoes the night before, set my alarm, and kept showing up.

Gradually, it became a part of my routine. For a season though, not a lifetime. I can happily report that I now get up at 0530.

Professionally, I’ve found a rhythm for when I do my best thinking – from about 830-1130 AM. So, I hold that time for deep thought and composition. I also meet regularly with a group of colleagues to share ideas and develop community.

Research shows that so much of what we do is powered by habit.

So, let’s be intentional.

Intentional habits can disarm the three biggest challenges – finding time, focus, and follow through – that many small businesses face as they scale & grow.

Finding Time – It’s easy to get bogged down in daily ops instead of looking up to refocus on the big picture.

• Maybe it’s more effective meetings – start on time, solid agenda, be prepared, resolve issues, end on time.

Focus – There’s a lot to do running a business – across ops, finance, technology, HR, sales, marketing, and more.

• Maybe it’s Focus Fridays – no meetings to focus on your top priorities.

Follow Through – Even the best laid plans fall victim to the fire drill of the day.

• Maybe it’s the rule of 3 – if you can’t solve something in 3 emails then pick up the phone (gasp!) to resolve it.

So, what does it look like for your business?

• What professional habits drive your business and your team?

• Is there a professional habit you and your team would like to create or break?

• What is one thing you can do today to drive greater clarity?

I help small technology and professional services businesses scale and grow. This means leaders work ON the business instead of IN the business. Whether it's a 10-year vision, 3–5 year strategy, or 90-day action plan - we partner to achieve your goals.

If you want to break through to the next level in your business, drop me a message, and we'll arrange a 15-min call to see if I can help.

Be well.

~Susan