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ans Serif">I first came across the phrase "present tense, future perfect" as a graffiti slogan and it's stuck in my mind due to the clever use of the language of language. Funnily enough, it also serves to describe how many solo business operators view their business.

ans Serif">The approach I'm describing is a bit like the business version of the 'old battler' - someone who is not enjoying the present, but is telling the world (and him or herself) that 'she'll be right mate'.

ans Serif">The real story, however, is that so long as we are accepting of a bad present, we're in effect blocking the path to a new and

better future.

ans Serif">To look forwards, to make new plans, to develop new goals and dreams, demands a creative mind. A creative mind demands at the very least an 'acceptable present' if it is to spin freely.

ans Serif">You may have come across the expression 'the present is perfect'. It's used a great deal in professional counselling and along with associated actions and teachings is undoubtedly a valuable tactic to bring about a change of thinking. The problem is it simply doesn't apply directly in a business context. Try telling a struggling, anxious business owner that the present is perfect and you'll be shown the door quick-smart.

ans Serif">So if we can't kid ourselves that the present is perfect what can we do? The answer is we can often make some quick and viable changes to our business that will make things look different and feel more acceptable.

ans Serif">What I'm proposing may seem like a step back and in some cases that's what it is, but if by stepping back we can leap forward then where's the problem?

ans Serif">OK, let's be honest, one problem may be your ego. For the purpose of this exercise I request you put it aside at least until you've finished reading. Good. Let's now look at some options that may change how your business feels.

ans Serif">The first is to stop doing the things that don't work and do more of the things that do work. Sounds pretty basic, but so many solo entrepreneurs keep on doing things that are blatantly unsuccessful and forgo the stuff that works. Look backwards for a moment and reintroduce some 'best of' behaviours. Hey, it works for The Rolling Stones and others.

ans Serif">The next is to look at your 'workstyle' and shift it so that you are working more effectively. This may involve changing your environment, tracking your time and reducing wastage. Don't be afraid of creating spare time, we'll talk about that in a moment.

ans Serif">Finally - if you're guilty of this one - we must get you out of the habit of grumbling or complaining as these actions effectively put your business into the 'B' Team - not only in the eyes of others, but much more importantly, in YOUR eyes.

ans Serif">Now if you are brave enough to embrace these steps you should have less anxiety and a bit more time.

ans Serif">A relaxed state + Time = A mood in which to envision the future. What do you see now?