With the holiday season in full swing, let’s hope we can find time for a break to reflect on how much we’ve accomplished this year and start planning for 2020. I have friends who do this very deliberately at every year’s end. They’ll go somewhere warm near the ocean to review the past year’s performance and adjust for what’s coming for their businesses, themselves, and their families.

Okay, I understand that time away from your business can seem more stressful than it's worth. I’m not suggesting you hop on a plane and take off for Costa Rica and spend all your time lying in the sand – although, hey, not a bad idea. I’m talking about a long weekend break to let yourself and your team get a little R&R and maybe do some important planning.

A nice spot doesn’t need to be expensive. You can rent a local beach house or cabin for 3 or 4 days at winter rates. Start the morning with a nice breakfast, and maybe a walk a few miles to clear your head. Plan to spend 4 or 5 hours a day on your agenda. Break for lunch, and at day’s end leave all work talk and thoughts behind until tomorrow. This routine will allow you and your team to clear your heads and start fresh in the morning.

During your planning time, go over each area of the business and identify what’s working and what might have to change. Target some problem areas and discuss possible solutions. Review the year’s accounting reports and results from your company’s sales and promotions. Leave room for a brainstorming session where everyone can add any new ideas, including ideas for out-of-the- box promotions.
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Yes, you might not get every question answered and every problem solved, but the time away will help you come up with fresh ideas for the new year. I’ve found during the business retreats I’ve attended that the scheduled time away was invaluable for the company and my own frame of mind and well-being.

Happy Holidays,
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

​​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Is there a difference between giving thanks and gratitude? Well, I believe there actually is. There is real power in a thankful heart. You really can’t be thankful without feeling grateful. Genuine gratitude changes you and how you look at life — it changes your attitude.

Every day we are exposed to a barrage of negativity. We deal with resentments, ingratitude, entitlement, health issues, loss, etc. Gratitude is an awesome tool, an ally to battle these internal/external threats that rob us of our joy. People who choose to be haters rob themselves of a most powerful experience of heartfelt praise and appreciation in their life. Amazing, how gratitude eliminates the negativity.

Giving value to others fosters appreciation, which in turn becomes the transformative energy of gratitude that changes us on a deep level. Practicing gratitude can be a positive way to find inner peace and contentment. By choosing to be thankful for the wonderful things and people in our daily lives we become healthier and happier. It is a mindful act so simple, yet it brings a lasting happiness and an inner joy to those committed to living the good life.

Think about the people in your life who are loving and kind to you. Who has your back by looking out for you? Who has sacrificed in order to make your life better? Do the people closest to you have your best interest at heart? At the end of the day, we all have those people in our lives that add to our happiness. Don’t ever take for granted what another does, gives and sacrifices in order for you to flourish, to be the best version of yourself you can be. It takes a team in life to come out a winner in the end.

Living gratefully has its rewards! Give the gift of joy that comes from loving and helping others. That’s the power of gratitude. So take thanks beyond your Thanksgiving table this year, and show your gratitude by doing something selfless today.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com