Perfect Life Project

Starting all over again

What do they say about even the best laid plans coming unstuck?

I haven't posted in the last 6 weeks and there is a very good reason. I would have been unable to maintain the theme of this site due to the fact that my "perfect lifestyle" has hit a few hurdles of late. I have been buried in work, chasing my tale and unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Sound familiar?

Obviously its something most of us experience and try to cope with every day, but for me it has been a shock to the system after a year or so of idyllic existence.

So what happened?

Firstly the economy has slowed, in case you didn't know, and my business was affected slightly. Nothing terrible but a downturn all the same.

Secondly, my most productive employee left. She was the one I counted on most to get things done and remove stress from my life. She was reliable and hardworking. She also caused friction amongst my other staff (which became more apparent after she left) and may have held the business back a little creatively.

Thirdly, I was in the process of re-organising the business, positioning ourselves in a niche area of the advertising industry for a greater strategic goal when this happened. So I already had a bit of work on my plate.

Fourth, I took a week holiday (planned well in advance with family) when I cold least afford the time.....and got sick.

Plan for success

Usually at this time of year I start thinking about next year.  Sure there are
still three months to go, all of those busy trading months, but by now my
head is already in next year.

I like to plan 6 months ahead of the business. I believe its difficult to plan much further ahead if you have a dynamic business that is evolving quickly, but it is essential to be looking forward to what might happen next.

This time last year I stunned my staff by sitting them all down and explaining the lay of the land as I saw it. We had enjoyed a strong year and were poised for even better but I was somewhat paranoid.

Perfect Life Update 2

Last month I wrote an update on my progress since adopting and
implementing my strategies for a perfect life. In it I outlined the actions
I had taken and results I had seen.

Most of the benefits I described related to the improvement in my lifestyle. Less stress, happier, better health, more freedom. The one area I haven't elaborated on is income.

For me, the objective here isn't to become insanely rich. I am trying to build a robust, highly profitable business that allows me to live extremely well without the constant pressure and stress of maintaining such a lifestyle. Obviously a high income is part of it but it is not the be all and end all.

So, many fiscally focussed readers may be wondering whether my strategies have been profitable, or whether I have just been creating a lazy workers paradise that sacrifices profit for fun and an easy lifestyle.

I am happy to announce that you can have your cake and eat it too. The business is performing remarkably well. In the two years since I purchased this agency (now in it's 30th year) it has grown 35%. That's been good solid growth for a mature business.

Breaks are good

Taking a break from the everyday is good. In fact, I would suggest it is essential.

I have just returned from a trip to Thailand and, although it was a hectic holiday with a fair share of partying, it was a great recharge for me.

The trip meant that I was away from my office for 11 days. No calls, only one email, no deadlines or schedules. No work for 11 days. For once my mind was totally occupied by things other than my normal life.

By the time I returned to work I was itching to go. New ideas started swirling around my brain, I was refreshed and ready to go. In short, the break did me good as far as work goes. I have just two months until I take off again on an extended break and so I will be attacking that remaining time with vigour.

As a side note, holidays also trigger Parkinson's Law. Most people, knowing they are going to be away from work tend to produce more in the time leading up to their holiday. The enforced deadline works to focus you and your work. Likewise upon returning from holidays there is often worked piled up that must be sorted quickly.

A share of the action

I recently took a bold step with my business and began a profit-sharing package for my employees. OK, so its not exactly a new idea, plenty of businesses do it....but for me it has been a big step.

My business is a boutique advertising agency in Australia. I have a small and focussed team who are all very good at what they do. Since buying the agency 2 years ago (and hiring 2 of the staff) we have grown the business and improved our profitability significantly. Those who have been following this blog will know that I have implemented a few work practices such as the 80/20 rule, Parkinson's Law, and a certain amount of freedom and autonomy for my staff. As a result the business has flourished and I have an agency that is enjoyable to work at, doesn't cause me much stress and has been personally rewarding.