Learning whilst living....

Learning can happen in all walks of life and I am sad when people go through life without ever thinking about how they can learn from the general pain and happiness of life.

Last weekend I went over and helped Mum by thinning out her trees on her driveway. It was really hard work - as my bad back now testifies! I wasn't sure that the trees needed cutting back but when we had finished you could see the benefit. Many of the branches were dead because they were restricted from light, many had been struggling to survive. It made me think that business so many times avoid the pain of cutting through the 'deadwood'

• When was the last time you took a hard look at which brand extensions or products are struggling? Which ones could be pruned to allow others to thrive?
• When was the last time you filtered your thoughts so that you are concentrating on the things that matter?
• When was the last time you dealt with those individuals who are draining the energy of others in your team?
• When was the last time you pruned back the number of projects in your business - so that you can dedicate more time and resources to those that matter?
• When was the last time you looked at your diary and ensured that your time was concentrated on the things that will drive value in your company, or in your life?

I had wanted to put off the work, but then even just a week on I saw the new shoots thriving in the space created.....it may have been hard work but the benefits are great.