Shakespeare gets the credit for the line, but you have to take credit for walking the talk!  

PhotoPlusExpo comes up in a few weeks and launches the fall/winter tradeshow season.  Pictage Partner Con is right after that and then you get a short breather to handle your Christmas orders, wrap up the year and prepare for next year.  While at both, or either conference, take the time to pick up those workshops to help you the most in the year ahead.  Pay attention to the topics, speakers and manufacturers who can help you the most. 

There’s a great line – instead of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, it should be if it ain’t broke you haven’t looked hard enough.  We can all use some fine-tuning, but you have to first recognize where things aren’t working as smoothly as they should.  Maybe you’re in better shape than you think, but haven’t taken a break in a long time.

Sadly, for many of you, there’s not enough down time – and I suppose that’s the theme of today’s post.   No matter how good or bad business has been this year, you can’t be creative if you’re living in a pressure cooker.  You’ve got to recognize your own weaknesses and take a break, recharge your battery and do something that’s away from the business.   Do something that you love to do that doesn’t push the edge of the envelope on your shortsuits.

So, on this wonderful Saturday morning, kick back for just a few minutes and set a goal to give yourself a break.   If you’ve been feeling frustrated remember you’re not alone.   But, if you’re looking to stand out a little, taking a break, might just clear your head and create a little space on your personal hard drive for more ideas.

Julieanne Kost  gave me a great line once when I asked her to get involved in a project I was working on. “I’d love to, but I’m just out of bandwidth!”   That said it all and we moved the date of the project to a time when she knew she could give it 100%.

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Mom and Dad taken by Bambi Cantrell

As this is being posted, it was written a few days ago, I’m cherishing some time with family and hanging out in Sarasota.  I’m sneaking in a little R&R with my 80+ year old folks and family.   Actually I’m not “sneaking” in the time at all – I’m blatantly enjoying my family!

If you don’t recognize when you’re out of bandwidth and the need to step away from the business now and then, what’s the good of working this hard?   So, to thine ownself be true…recognize when you need a break…shut off the Blackberry, the i-phone and the computer and just enjoy your family and friends - you’ve earned it!