I have always thought of watches as a timepiece.  Since I like to be on time, I’ve used many different watches that were created to help me tell time. The first watch I can remember having was a Roy Rogers watch, which, if I still possessed it, would sell for $300 to $400.  Maybe it’s a reminder that we shouldn’t always throw old things away.

Over the years, watches have evolved into calendars and much more. I generally have bought inexpensive watches because I tended to knock them around a bit. I don’t think I’ve ever paid much over one hundred dollars for a watch, generally less.

One of the most difficult aspects of business, and life, is to put aside problems and concerns once the worst has happened. In the past, I’ve lost customers despite every conceivable step I took to keep the customer. I hate losing customers.  It’s not easy for me to shake off the disappointment.

David gave us an example in scripture after one of his children died.

Several years ago, a newsletter called Early to Rise summarized six key habits for success in the business world:

• Showing up on time
• Paying close attention to assignments
• Doing more than the required minimum
• Struggling with difficult tasks
• Organizing tasks by priorities

These habits are equally necessary today.  Customers and businesses need reliable workers who will be available at the agreed time. Here are my experiences with some of these key habits.

All of us have days when we don’t feel like going to work, making the next sales call or putting everything into your job. When faced with these moments we have a simple choice, take it easy or push forward.

To some degree perseverance is a choice. Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors in history, was often quoted as saying inventions were 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Edison was known for pushing and pushing and pushing to drive a concept into an invention that was usable.

In our businesses we tend to be very busy.  Many business owners work 45, 50 or 60 hours a week to get everything done. These time commitments add more stress to the multiple challenges we have accomplishing personal items. 

One option that comes with some expense is to consider hiring a personal assistant.  A personal assistant can take care of many activities and release a busy business owner from tasks that can be delegated. When I consult with business clients, I work with them to understand what work that can be delegated to employees working a lower wage. Using the same principle, a business owner may be able to hire a personal assistant to take care of many routine life activities.