Refresh, Renew Retool

By Michelle Porchia

What does it mean for us to refresh, renew and retool?  How does one use their time, talents and treasures during times of uncertainty…after all, these are uncertain times…times when people feel the pressure of less than, not enough of, and “what next?”  It’s about looking with new eyes, hearing with new ears, and moving forward possibly down a different road.

Refresh: Our business – refresh our mind and body.
First, let’s talk about us – our bodies.  We all have the same 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.  How we use our time is what's important.  Do we waste our time with mindless, unproductive things or do we use our time wisely? Do we use it to grow as a person, to grow our business, to rest and relax, to develop our mind, increase our health and to touch others and make a difference? 
 
Many people spend their precious time on unproductive tasks or events.  Once a minute is gone,  it’s gone and we don’t get it back!  Use time wisely.  Be more fully present and focus on the now.  Do we focus on our physical, psychological and emotional well-being? 
How do you use your time?  Is it the best use of your time?  Think about it honestly. 
Refresh our business:

•  Review goals, business plans
•  Review business models
•  Review resources
•  Review strategies
•  Review outcomes
• Retool whatever is necessary

Renew:   Rejuvenate. Recommit.  Energize.

•  Our commitment to our goals, our passion
•  Our commitment to our careers
•  Our commitment to our businesses
•  Our commitment to ourselves
•  Our commitment to community and family

Retool:  With the current economic situation we need to have multiple streams of income.  We can use our various talents to create a product, build a business, and collaborate with others.  This will help us to have multiple streams of income, use our talents and now we have a win-win situation.
All of us have been given talents – abilities to do something and do it well.  We might be creative, good at organizing, working with people, etc.  How many of us have God-given talents and don’t use them?  I have a granddaughter who is a phenomenal artist, specifically drawing.  She had given up on it because “it doesn’t look good” which came initially from an art teacher she had.  What a waste.  How many of us know we have a talent but for whatever reason aren’t using it? 
At the same time we may need to look at new and creative ways to use our talents…retooling. 

• Make your intentions known
• Ask for what you want

• Seek options
• Collaborate
• Expand – possibilities – options
• Live your passion while working on your job

Ultimately, whether you work in corporate America, own your own business, work in a not-for-profit, teach, etc., it starts with YOU.

Scott Peck said:  "We cannot be a source of strength unless we nurture our own strength."

• Take care of you
• Define your passion
• Set your goals
• Create a plan - a vision
• Take the step – small steps
• Give thanks
• Applaud/reward yourself

​Get ready for what is to come.  When we expect great things, great things happen.