There are many times along the path of a business failure where there is an opportunity to course correct.  Unfortunately we often leave the situation too long and end up doing damage control instead of investing in the future.

Years ago a professor at Stanford devised a check lest of nine questions that can be applied to any problem.  Ask yourself the questions as a way to challenge how you are doing business and see if there is something that needs to change, before it is too late.

1. Is there a new way to do it?
2. Can you borrow or adapt?
3. Can you give it a new twist?
4. Do you merely need more of the same?
5. Less of the same?
6. Is there a substitute?
7. Can the parts be rearranged?
8. What if we do just the opposite?
9. Can ideas be combined?

Bits & Pieces, February, 1990, p. 20.

Image: Boaz Yiftach / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I came across a great acronym for this the other day:

Saving

You

Stress,

Time,

Energy and

Money

Build systems into your life and business for any task that is going to be repeated.

For the original lesson, and insight into Alice in Wonderland, see here.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.