Credible manager/business owners are those who are professional role models to others.
Credible manager/business owners are those who are professional role models to others. They have ‘their own house in order’ and have a natural energy. They are positive and have vitality and enthusiasm. ‘Having your own house in order’ means everything is sorted and functioning well in both the personal and professional worlds.
The Clear The Decks exercise is a way to ensure unfinished tasks are completed and that there is nothing outstanding in our lives that may be causing undue worry or distress. ‘Things’ that are incomplete and ‘things’ we are tolerating drain our energy, over time, so it’s beneficial to remove them.
Take 5 minutes to complete the exercise. If the answer to a question is definitely yes, tick the box √. If the question doesn’t apply to your situation, mark it with a dash. If an answer to a question is definitely no, mark it with a cross X and don’t change it until the answer is a 100% yes.
At the end of the exercise, note in the summary the answers marked with a cross and commit yourself to getting them sorted within the next three months.
Keep working on the exercise, until all the areas marked with a cross are all resolved, to your complete satisfaction.
Health
- I visit my dentist annually.
- My blood pressure is at safe levels.
- I have regular health checks.
- My cholesterol levels are normal.
- I’ve have my eyes checked every year.
- My weight is within my ideal range.
- I enjoy good health – I rarely take sick leave.
- I take an annual holiday and use up all my leave entitlement.
- I rarely work evenings or weekends.
- I have a good balance between my working and personal life.
Home
- My personal papers are filed and orderly.
- My home is neat and clean.
- I have no outstanding maintenance or repair jobs.
- All my household appliances work.
- I’m not tolerating anything in my home environment.
- I regularly discard items I no longer want or use.
- My home has smoke detectors throughout.
- I live in a house and suburb that I enjoy.
- My car is regularly cleaned and maintained.
- I have sufficient space around me to feel comfortable and happy.
Financial
- I always pay my accounts on time.
- I don’t spend more than I earn.
- I have repaid any money that I owed.
- I save at least 10% of my income each year.
- I have some money set aside for emergencies.
- I file annual tax returns when required to do so.
- I have plans to reach financial independence.
- I pay fines and debts when they’re due. I have nothing outstanding.
- I have income protection insurance.
- I regularly update my budget.
Personal
- My will is up to date.
- My house, vehicle and assets are insured.
- I surround myself with people I enjoy.
- I regularly up-skill myself.
- I am up to date with calls, visits, letters and other contacts.
- I have nominated guardians for my children.
- I have the wardrobe and ‘look’ that makes me feel good.
- I exercise regularly.
- I have let go of damaging relationships.
- I’m reliable, honest and trustworthy.
Workplace
- I don’t gossip or spread rumours.
- I don’t have a ‘too hard’ basket.
- I always plan my day, before I begin it.
- I always do what I say I am going to do.
- I treat people with courtesy and respect.
- I pitch in to help others, when needed.
- My desk and office is tidy and free of clutter.
- My work environment is a ‘toleration free’ zone.
- I’m consistent, fair and approachable.
- I achieve results.
Summary
The issues I want to sort out/focus on over the next three months are:
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This exercise has been adapted from CoachU’s Cleansweep Programme (USA).
The concept of tolerations and related checklists are part of Coach U’s Clean Sweep Program(tm). You are welcome to share this resource providing attribution is given to: (i) Coach U, USA (www.coachu.com) (ii) Dwan & associates and links to our email address and website are included. www.dwanandassociates.com Email: sue@dwanandassociates.com