Someone once said the most important thing in business is to keep a cool head. I agree with that and, in fact, you could probably apply that to any situation in life - particularly those that appear seemingly out of nowhere.
But just as important, I think, is the ability to have a clear head, because I have found that when you mind is clear of clutter you can often see things for what they are and make better decisions.
Holidays are a good time to engage in "de-cluttering of the brain". Thanks to the miracle that is www.bookabach.co.nz, we have managed to find a place where this process is easy.
For an hour each day I worked myself through a strategic planning process and then canoed on a lake to the same spot and tested my thinking. In fact, this year's strategic plan was developed, written and rubber stamped in a small lake inlet in the company of pine trees, cicadas and the occasional swan. The change in environment being integral to being able to see opportunities clearly and set out a plan to take the business forward.
So, what can you do to get some clarity and bring order to your direction and planning?