Earlier this year, we posted a blog about the definition of “Success”.  As we close out 2013 and approach a new and exciting 2014, it is important to build on that definition of “Success”.  Two simple yet critical keys to continued success are smart work and hard work.

In discussions with owners and their core teams, we noticed that they all work hard and have great family, community and business values. They have a great deal of integrity, and have a great work ethic.

(Flickr – One Way Stock)

One organization we work with produces products that may soon be replaced by the internet.  Yet, the company and industry they are in are slow to change. The discussion we had with this organization centered on a mindset change that needed to occur within the company and how that was the biggest challenge.

Other meetings covered business strategy to hit key SMAART goals; firing an employee without wrecking the relationship; how to engage a team to work together better without the owner; leadership assessments on the 2nd and 3rd layer of leaders/supervisor/managers; and the “overhead” being added by regulations and taxes.

My grandfather used to say, “Donald, work like everything depends on you; pray like everything depends on God!”

Knowing when to rest is part of the art of living. While we have days that are full and feel fatigued, we must know when to stop physically and mentally to rest. The mind and body get raw when over worked and are in need of rest. When this occurs, take time out, even if it is to have a good lunch and read a fun book for about 30 minutes. This will refresh the mind and body as well as improving health and attitude.  From our perspective, this “pause” freshens us to do a better job with our clients and be more engaged instead of being exhausted.

Another tip is to identify what “must” be done and put off other items or projects until another time.

• When you work hard, are you focused and working hard?

• Are you also taking time to work smart?

• Are you teaching everyone around you to work hard and also to enjoy life well?

If you and your team need help taking a break and discovering the two keys to success, call us at 800-786-4332, call 800-786-4332, or email JSabatini@AppliedVisionWorks.com.  It is a critical step to increased results and a better life!  It only takes 30 minutes to get started!  Your success is in plain sight.  It just takes determination and action!