Finding the Time
If you’re looking for the time to accomplish your goals in the New Year, stop looking. The time is now.
In training classrooms, in magazines and during networking events, you’ll hear stories of mistakes made and—hopefully—lessons learned. In last month’s issue, we featured Tomas Keenan in the Strategy and Tactics column. Keenan, among others, has shared in the past about his own health struggles and how he learned to delegate in his business. In this month’s issue, we take a look back at 2025’s Model Mentors. Something they share in common is a willingness to connect and ask for help when needed. As we all know, things happen, and we have to be ready. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. In my own life, I struggle with chronic nerve pain, a disability that impacts me on a daily basis. I’ve managed to find creative ways to deal with it. Part of that involves halting procrastination before it even happens. After all, I may not want to complete a particular task right now—but what if I’m not capable of doing it tomorrow?
The only time we have is now
In our industry, there are many businesses in which the owner carries multiple responsibilities. In past interviews for this magazine, I’ve often asked, “How does your shop handle processes and procedures?” Meaning, do you have these things written down? If something happens to you and you can’t be there, will your team be able to manage? Some shop owners have said, “No,” and then, “I really need work on that.” Others have said, “We just haven’t found the time.”
I get it. Some of us carry astounding workloads. I have an uncle who is a retired doctor. At one point in his career, he worked so much that he no longer has any memory of the apartment in which he lived at the time. The reality is, a lot of us work ourselves to the bone for some imagined future, thinking “when we have the time,” we’ll spend that time with our families, travel or explore hobbies. But, as always happens, time passes by in a flash. Moments disappear and we’re left with a sobering realization. The only time we have is now.
Seize the coming year with small, attainable goals
When faced with the temporary nature of our reality, we might feel a little overwhelmed. But, don’t go there. Instead, consider where you might’ve procrastinated in the past year, and look at how to resolve any future issues before they crop up. Does your business have a solid set of processes and procedures in place? Does it have a reliable method for delegating tasks? Do you have help—or are you the only person at the helm? I stopped making New Year’s resolutions years ago. Instead, I’m in favor of making small, intentional changes on a regular basis. What small goals will you make? Take some time out of each day to create actionable plans that you can begin to implement around your business. If you feel overwhelmed, explore why that might be. Maybe it’s time to get some help. Don’t let time be a stumbling block. Instead, let it be an incentive.
Does your business have a solid set of processes and procedures in place? Does it have a reliable method for delegating tasks? Do you have help—or are you the only person at the helm?
