Do you have the right tools?

I decided this morning that I was going to start getting up at 5am to run.  I know...5 am!  Running is something I love to do, but have struggled to fit it in with kids.  So this morning my husband woke me up at 5am when he was getting up for work to go run.  In my half stupor, I couldn't find my running watch.  My husband leaves for work at 5:40am on the dot.  I knew I could not be even a minute late or he would miss his vanpool, and I decided I was just going to guess how long I had been running for.  I'm usually pretty good about guessing my pace and distance, so I didn't think it would be an issue.  Until I started running.  At 5am.  I realized my brain & body weren't ready to be up that early.  I'm pretty sure the first mile I was in a daze.  And I had no clue what pace I was going.  I started to panic, thinking "what if I'm late".  I didn't want to take the chance, so I came home only to find out I still had plenty of time I could have kept running.  And my watch was sitting right there on the table!

As I sat on the couch, tired & frustrated, I realized I didn't set myself up for success.  I always struggle to find my watch, so I should have looked for it the night before.  Without the proper tools, my attempt to do a great early morning run turned into a short & non-enjoyable run. 

I find that we can do this in our own businesses.  We have great tools at our finger tips, but we don't use them.  Maybe it's because we didn't plan for success, or maybe it's because you don't think they're important.  But I want to reassure you that they are important!  I realized that later in the day today when I was at the post office mailing out lots of packages.  One of the packages was filled with Look Books to a consultant and it happened to pop open while my packages were being weighed.  About 30 seconds later a lady walked in and saw my Mary Kay bag.  She asked me if I did Mary Kay, and when I replied I did, she immediately asked if I had a catalog.  I replied "not with me right now," but told her that I do have a business card & can get you a catalog.  The smart thinking postmaster replied "why don't you take one from this package that just popped open".  Thank goodness I didn't seal that envelope correctly before I left home:)  Was I set up for success?  Partly:)  I had my business cards, but not the one thing most new people we meet want- a catalog. 

So what are the tools you need to have ready?  Well, learn from me and always have business cards & catalogs on you at all times.  You never know when you'll run into someone looking for a beauty consultant!  Do you have hostess packets ready to go when someone calls you to book a party?  Is your datebook ready with the times you are available to work?  Are your skin care class bags ready so when a customer wants an impromptu facial you're not scrambling to get ready? 

Let's make sure we are prepared for success!  Get your tools ready.  They will make your journey so much easier!

Living with a grateful heart

I woke up this morning with a huge appreciation for life.  Lately I have often been consumed with the frustrating things in life- my business sometimes not going exactly as I want, time away from my husband, crazy schedules, kids throwing tantrums, etc.  I was reminded today that although these things are frustrating, they don't define my life.  And there are many who were taken from this earth today who won't get to experience these things anymore.  Yes, life can be frustrating.  But I also have to remind myself that life is a gift.  

A friend lost her 5 year old son over Labor Day weekend when he drowned during what was supposed to be a relaxing family weekend.  I am daily reminded to enjoy the little things in life that we tend to look over.  As she shared today on Facebook that she misses seeing him wave goodbye as the bus drives away every morning, it hit me to enjoy those small things.  Can it be frustrating trying to get out the door on time to the bus stop every day?  Yes:)  But I'm learning to see those moments as a gift.  

Let's try to not allow those frustrating, small things to consume our lives.  Be thankful for what you do have.  And be thankful for every breath you take, because every breath is a gift from God.  Tomorrow is not promised.  Relish this moment.  Craziness and all:)

See how you can "Go Out & Be Great" in honor of Nathan Baker!  Visit http://nathanchrisbaker.wordpress.com for more info!