I’m sitting in my recliner totally laid up after having extensive foot surgery and I’ve never been more productive with my business.  Just being forced to stay away from my office, sitting in a new environment with my laptop in my lap I am free to create, review, reflect and redesign my business.  I have written a business plan, a business budget for 2011, redesigned my professional team.  I am almost done writing my new Women’s Seminar (which I’m really excited about) and will soon be finished with my new Breaking the Mold 2011 Workshop web page.  While it helps that I’m not taking phone calls I could never have accomplished that much in a week of sitting in my office.

It’s amazing how by just removing yourself from your daily work environment you can become more creative, objective and productive with your business.  When I first started out working from home I remember other coaches in my mastermind group talking about creating a second room in their house that was designed just for this reason.  They decorated it in a more artistic soothing manner to encourage reflection and enhance creativity.  I now know why.

As female financial advisors we rarely slow down enough to reflect and create. We spend our days zig zagging from one task or responsibility to another.  That’s why its so important to create a separate space that is only used for relaxation. Soft music, warm lighting, maybe even fresh flowers will entice and encourage you to slow down and breathe.   

Granted not everyone has the space to accommodate this luxury so find another environment outside your home that works well for you.  The Library, local Starbucks, with portable laptops even the rose garden across the street can become that second office.