Let’s face it, life is crazy. Life throws many problems at us. When your personal life is in turmoil, so is your business life. It is nearly impossible to keep your personal life separate from your business life; however, it is possible to manage them separately. This article gives you practical tips to keep on stepping--even when you want to give up.

1. Determine your goals. Write down what you want to accomplish both at home and in business. Break the goals down into small pieces. For example, if you want to improve the relationship with your children, what are the small things you can do to help with that goal? Figure out the small steps that lead to your big goal, and begin to execute.

2. Build relationships to help you. Who can help you achieve success? Ask for help. Asking for help is your way of letting other people know that they are valued and appreciated, and yes, that you need them. Ask for help and take some of the load off.

3. Be accountable. Hire a coach who can hold you accountable to the things you say you want to accomplish in business and life. When I was a young advisor, I hired a coach who helped me weed through the chaos in my life. This allowed me to keep moving forward. A good coach will help lighten your load and manage the chaos.

4. Show up! I can’t tell you how many times I showed up at my client’s office or at a networking event even when I didn’t feel like it--and good stuff happened. When life is crazy, it is easy to bury your head in the sand and not come out to play. But showing up helps take your mind off your problems and helps you in your business.

5. Talk to yourself. I remember when I was an advisor covering a five-county territory in South Florida., I had plenty of time to talk to myself and I would listen to positive audios. Even today, talking to myself helps me cope when I am in some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Go ahead and try it--you will see that you are your best motivator.

6. Invest in yourself. Invest in yourself to finish your degree or get a designation or a certification. I finished my bachelor’s degree while my husband was battling stage 4 colon cancer. I wanted to quit; instead, I used school as a distraction from life. Was it easy? No. But I knew I had to finish school. Invest in yourself in the middle of your craziness, and your issues will fade into the background.

7. Be committed. Get committed to your plan and don’t let life distract you. Commitment takes effort and focus. Set the plan in motion, push the craziness to the side, and you will accomplish your goals, no matter what!

---------

Toni Harris

Toni Harris is a motivational speaker, marketing strategist and certified coach who helps her audience and clients take drastic steps to achieve drastic results. You can reach her at www.toniharris.com.