By the time you read this, the first half of the year will be almost over.  How’s business so far?  If you’re looking for a jumpstart, remember there’s a great perspective in sports:  The second half is a new ballgame.

If you started the year with big plans and commitments, but somehow got off track, this is the perfect time to re-focus.

You might start by committing to change two things.  Even if business is good, competitors have had an opportunity to learn and react to your business strategy.  Many of them are making changes to catch up with you, or extending their lead ahead of you.

NOTE:  This article was originally published in the Louisville Bar Association’s Bar Briefs (June, 2016 on page 7).

A change, even if it’s relatively simple, can have a major impact on your business.

• Are you blogging frequently enough?
• Did you add videos?
• Did you implement a plan to reconnect with previous clients?
• Do you have a plan to increase brand awareness among your target audience?

I’m doing the same for my business.  In the second half, I’m recommitting to developing a video course, implementing 2 new client services and exercising more consistently.

Is there something you could/should change to achieve your goals?  They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit (3 short weeks).  Take a minute to close your eyes and visualize a specific goal.  Remember how important it was when you set it?  Can you still feel that charge you felt when you initially started to pursue it?

The good news is that today, this week, this month is the start of your 2^nd half.  Looking back over the past 6 months, if “good” was just good enough – let’s go for great.  If you’re about to achieve the goals you set in January, what will you go after next?  It’s time to refocus, renew and recommit to you and your business.

Let’s switch gears.  Have you ever attended a great presentation and thought, “That’s exactly what I needed!”

The issue for many of us is that we get back to our offices, the phones and emails continue to distract us and a few days later, we’ve forgotten about that great presentation and the clarity we had.

The breakthrough somehow gave way to the status quo.  Excitement was replaced by exhaustion.  Growth slowed to simply keeping up.  It’s an all too common experience.  One way to overcome this is by incorporating smaller shifts in your actions instead of trying to change everything at once.

The inertia of the status quo is surprisingly strong.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a personal issue or one involving the entire organization.  Everyone fights it.

Scientists and coaches understand the power of momentum (“the Big Mo”).  It starts with small victories.  Seemingly insignificant actions can and do lead to incredible progress and results.  The key is getting beyond just thinking about it.

So let’s start today.  Use these two lines to write down two things you can change this week:

1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________

Remember, goals aren’t goals until they’re written down.  If you’re like me, I usually achieve more if I’m held accountable.

I’m posting my three changes on my business Facebook page.  Feel free to add yours in the comments of my post.  No, don’t worry, this not a “scam to spam.”  It’s simply a way to help you commit to making progress for your practice.  To chase your dream, you have to commit to taking the first two steps.

Looking forward to reading your comments.  It’s about time to start your second half.  Let’s Do This!