Posted on September 7, 2011 by Dave Crenshaw
Many business owners and CEOs work very, very hard to achieve ultimate harvest. This is the elusive big “pay day” where they get to relax and finally enjoy the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice. But what happens when that pay day never seems to come? What if impatience and discouragement sets in? In this video you’ll learn a strategy I work on with my coaching clients to help keep them revitalized and continually motivated to succeed. Action Steps:
  1. Watch this video and assess if you have clearly defined your mini-harvests as a CEO and business owner.
  2. Schedule an event per year where you enjoy the fruits of your labors for the previous year (e.g. a vacation or a large investment in a hobby you enjoy).
  3. Schedule a recurring monthly event to review and celebrate the previous month.
  4. Schedule a specific day in a week to enjoy something fun that you love to do.
  5. Schedule a time in your day to take a quick break from all the work that's going on (e.g. going for a walk, listening to music, or taking a nap).
  6. Share your perspective or ask questions on this page.
Principles:
  1. The ultimate harvest is that point off in the future when CEOs and business leaders are finally able to enjoy all the fruits of their hard work.
  2. The ultimate harvest is what drives most business leaders forward in working on their business day in and day out.
  3. The problem with ultimate harvest is that the reward is so far off into the future that CEOs and business leaders burn themselves out.
  4. You can establish short term targets with mini-harvests along the way:
    • Yearly Harvest
    • Monthly Harvest
    • Weekly Harvest
    • Daily Harvest
  5. It is very important to give yourself the ability to have a mini-harvest each day.
 
This post was sponsored by the Dave Crenshaw’s Invaluable CEO Coaching program. Would you like to work one-on-one with Dave to develop a strategy for your business? Click here to learn how to apply: http://DaveCrenshaw.com/CEO (For business owners and CEOs only) Receive coaching from Dave Crenshaw
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  • http://www.southeastspeakersbureau.com Public keynote speaker

    I love the language here used to describe things, some of which I already had an understanding of but didn’t have the vocabulary for (mini-harvest, ultimate harvest). I’ll be sure to check out your other material.

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Glad you liked it! Thanks.

      • Mrs. T

        Excellent advice, even for someone without their own business! Thanks, Dave, for awesome content.

  • Michael Tasner

    One of the best videos I’ve ever seen you do.   Do you recommend scheduling the daily harvest?

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Thanks, Michael. Yes absolutely I recommend scheduling the daily harvest. So let’s stay you decide to go for a walk 15 minutes each day at 1:00. I’d have that time blocked out in your calendar to not let anything else get in the way.

  • Simone Bley

    HI Dave – Simone here from Myriad Music School.
    Love this video – I always look forward to the actions steps and they resonate with me and give me a chance to check in for balance in my life. Your values are very much in tune with my values every time I sit to watch your short, accessible videos.
    Toodle Do and these videos are valuable additions to my life that were brought to me through your time with Sam’s music and dance school owners conference.

    I agree with the comment below that the words you use are very useful, like “harvest”. I also have “What/When/Where” posted beside my inbox. 
    Thanks again!
    Simone

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Thank you, Simone. Always love hearing from Sam’s people. Stick to that What When Where processing!

  • Lisa P

    This exercise put a smile on my face.  I think I actually put it off a bit to marinate on the idea of the completion as I was really wanting to savor each moment.  Thank you for continually challenging me in ways that I haven’t been before.  

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Awesome, Lisa. I’m glad you were able to arrive at a meaningful harvest strategy after letting it marinate for a while. :-)

  • Angy Ford, Bravo

    This video can’t be true, I have lots of hobbies….what were they…. I can’t remember :)   Thanks for the great tip to enjoy the journey.  Great video!

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      You rock, Angy. Thanks for your harvest chart. We’re getting there!