To Sleep or Not To Sleep? That is the question...

...that most entrepreneurs ask themselves on a daily basis. I spend my day advising businesses and their owners/managers on the most effective choices...highest and best use. But, when I am home, who advises me? I too have the same daily struggles as any successful business person - there isn't enough time in the day to get it all done, and if I just stay up a few minutes longer, and answer this one e-mail, then tomorrow will be easier. Then, tomorrow comes, and it's "look kids, Big Ben, Parliment !" same time, same place, but the inbox is more full and the sleep tank is more empty. So, how do I grapple with the ever present question: To Sleep or Not To Sleep? The answer is always, always, always (drum roll please...) SLEEP. Why? you ask. Well, I'll tell you -

because YOU are your MOST IMPORTANT client. Say it again, and say it out loud - you are your most important client. If you are not operating at your best, then you are not providing maximum value to your clients. So, before you try to prop everyone else up, you need to make sure you are firing off 120% of your cylinders at all times. You should always put your health, family, nutrition, sleep, and fitness first. I promise you that if you take care of these things on a consistent basis, then, over time, you will come out ahead. You can burn the candle at both ends for a period of time (some longer than others), but, at some point, those burning ends will catch up with each other and then you'll have a forrest fire that even Smokey can't put out. So, another golden rule - safety first - don't burn at both ends.

I'm happy to moderate a spirited dialogue on the subject and would love to hear best practices and war stories. samira_salman@salmansolutions.com