We’re now in the heat of the busy season, working in the literal heat day in and day out. I’d like to take just a moment to brag: My team at Grunder Landscaping is doing a phenomenal job.
We set ambitious growth goals for this year, and they’ve stood up to the challenge. They’re installing jobs efficiently, closing jobs left and right and we’re poised to nearly double our revenue in three years.
But it’s that time of the year, and even though we know we’re doing great work, I know all of us could use a little pep talk. Client demands get intense as everyone wants their property in tip-top shape by July 4. Team members are tired and the heat doesn’t help. We’re in the run right now and we need to power through.
My wife often jokes that she plays a nurse on TV. She’s a kindergarten teacher and has no medical credentials, but after years of teaching and raising four kids, she’s seen all kinds of illnesses, bumps and bruises. So inspired by her, this month I’m going to play therapist in a magazine for you.
Time to check in
Have you checked in with yourself lately? We recently asked the readers of our weekly “Great Idea” newsletter to do a self check-in. I asked them to ask themselves:
1. Am I spending time every week on my priorities? Or am I letting my inbox and cell phone control my time?
2. Am I playing offense with my team and my clients? Or am I in reaction mode because I haven’t planned accordingly?
3. Am I reviewing numbers and metrics daily? Or am I just hoping we are making money on our work?
4. Am I spending quality time with my family and friends? Or am I just there but not really present?
5. Am I eating right, staying active and getting enough sleep? Or am I making excuses for being too busy to do that?
Help yourself first
It’s so important to check in with yourself and be honest about how well you’re doing in all aspects of your life. Like they say on airplanes, you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others. We bring our best selves to work and to our families by taking time to take care of ourselves and be intentional with our time and headspace.
If you aren’t happy with your answers to the questions above, schedule time on your calendar to do better. Make an appointment with a real therapist, book a workout class, block an hour on your calendar to walk the local botanic garden or nature reserve and resolve to get home in time for dinner. Spend Saturday morning planning out next week’s priorities so you can be more organized. Do whatever gives you energy and helps you work through what’s weighing heavily on your mind.
In the mad rush to get everything done, sometimes the best thing to do is slow down. There’s a saying from the Navy SEALs that “slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
It’s true in our businesses, too. By being intentional with our time, we waste less of it and get more done. This month, pause to evaluate how you’re doing, take care of yourself and your team, and try to stay the course. We’ll get some relief soon. And until then, know I’m rooting for your success!
