Dear Aunty B,
I run a small business that is really in trouble. Just to cope I find I have developed a number of time-wasting little tricks to get myself through the day.
For instance every time I get bad news, I go out, buy a packet of fags and hang around on the street corner, smoking two or three in a row. (I am not a smoker generally.)
On the one hand this means I can come back and face the office with confidence. On the other hand it eats into my day and makes my day longer – not good when I am already stressed.
Any thoughts?
TF,
Melbourne
Hi TF,
When I get bad news I go for a trot around the city which (1) takes a good half hour and (2) is not a good idea in high heels.
Look. Let’s you and I have a pact. No more self pity. We can’t afford the time. And besides in this environment, you will die of lung cancer, and me of exhaustion or a mortal ankle-twist.
So this is our pact. When we get bad news, we will stay at the office, absorb the news, think of a solution or next step, and immediately engage in action.
As a reward for such remarkable discipline at kicking our little self pity habit, we will go home at a reasonable time and switch off!
Here are some time wasters from entrepreneurs:
Sit down and chat to staff.
Go shopping (women).
Call a meeting when everyone is busy.
Hit the coffee shop.
Your Aunty B.
Send in your time wasting habits when you get bad news to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au
To read more Aunty B advice, click here.
Smart Company is the leading online publication in Australia for free news, information and resources catering to Australia’s entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers.
