August 2026 Newsletter: Reflection and Preparation
August 2026
Reflection and Preparation
I’ve come to believe that every month or season has some kind of universally shared set of challenges, opportunities and tasks to be performed (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). It is helpful to be aware of both secular and religious events that will shape the flavor and demands of a certain month. August is definitely a time for reflection and preparation. Right now Jews all over our country are preparing for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah which occurs in September. It is a month to set aside time every day for reflection, prayer and planning for a better future. Catholics everywhere are getting ready to celebrate the Transfiguration (Jesus is glorified and appears with Elijah and Moses) and the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. These feast days signify hope, illumination and living a virtuous life. It’s so meaningful to know that millions of other people are pursuing the same ideals that you reverence at the same time. They are also trying to enact them in their own lives just as you are doing.
Whether you are religious or not the fact that summer is winding down and children are going back to school signals a need to make a shift. There is much to ponder and many plans to be made. Savoring the last days of summer can be a way to slow down time and take stock of what has happened so far this year. This is what we did recently in my Q3 Catch Up Business Planning Session. We examined what worked well, what did not work and what we wanted to see happen in our businesses for the rest of the year. We used all of this information to plan what needed to happen in order to have the outcome we desired. This kind of intentional planning is crucial otherwise you just coast through life, wing it and often arrive at destinations and holidays completely unprepared.
Success depends on taking the right actions to produce the right results in business or in your personal life. It’s difficult to plan if you are overwhelmed, stressed, tired or distracted. August is a month to set time aside, turn off all the “noise” and take an objective look at your life. Even ten minutes of silence from your phone, TV and computer can help you stop the chaos and get a realistic plan. That’s why my business planning sessions work so well. It forces participants to clear 90 minutes in their calendar to assess their situation honestly and plan accordingly. Take more time if possible. For years my husband and I had a ritual. We went to Alhona, a resort at the Lake of the Ozarks every year for the week before Labor Day. It was a wonderful place to enjoy everything summer: swimming, boating, BBQ and maximum relaxation. After that we were in the perfect frame of mind to plan ahead for Fall and the rest of the year.
It is sobering to acknowledge that Fall is just around the corner and 2026 is already more than half over. To get the most out of August try to telescope back and forth between the quiet enjoyment of everything summer has to offer and preparing to take advantage of all the opportunities you will have this Fall and Winter. For instance, you will hopefully have more customers and you need to have a system in place for hiring more employees. You have to have the system in place before the rush of new business. You won’t have time to put a system in place after the rush starts. If you have property this is an ideal time to winterize rather than waiting for the first blizzard! On a personal level Fall brings many social and family obligations that require your house to be in order both literally and figuratively.
If your preparations become overwhelming or stalled be sure to turn off your electronics and clear some time for contemplation. It helps to remember that people all over the country are involved in the same process at this time. Like children we are sad to see the end of pool parties, trips to the Lake and playing outside. On the other hand, it’s fun to look forward to all the doors of opportunities that will open for you the rest of the year. I’ve recently gotten to know a young man who is the epitome of planfulness: Luke Dawson recently joined my BNI (Business Network International) chapter. Luke is a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer for Bell Bank (417-559-5414) He is married and they are expecting their first child. Luke has carefully crafted his career path to enable him to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood. Luke and his wife have already gotten a 401K, Roth IRA, life insurance and savings. They are working with Paul Morrison the President of our BNI and Financial Advisor for Edward Jones (417-581-9330). Paul learned to save up for a rainy day when he grew up on a farm. He is the perfect person to help Luke prepare for the future. Paul is also a perfect role model since he has already become an exemplary spouse and father. Luke and his wife have make it a point to get established in a church so that their kids could grow up in a strong church community. I think Luke could teach planfulness!
