It feels like a very long time since I last blogged. A lot has been happening in my small world since I last wrote, not least a fantastic holiday with my three daughters. This was the first holiday where it felt like we were all 'mates' and I realised that our relationships have transformed from parent/child to peers.

It has been an amazing journey, juggling being a single parent and running a successful business and one that has taught me many lessons. I am proud to have developed systems for integrating my responsibilities as a parent with my responsibilities as a Director. So proud, in fact, that I am about to launch a new product that will bring that information to you. But, more about that later. What's our fourth tool for increasing effectiveness?

I realised the value of the fourth tool on holiday. For three days I didn't even want to lift my head from the poolside sunbed but on the fourth day I started to regain the benefit of an alert mind and began mulling over all the activity that I had been involved in at work. New product launches, new video webcasts, writing a book, joint ventures and new and old clients. I didn't analyse anything, I just let it all process and by day five I was sitting in a beach side cafe alone with a paper napkin, pen and a clear and concise plan in my head.Have you guessed what the fourth tool is yet? It is 'critical thinking time.'

I am sure that this seems ludicrous to some of you who don't have enough hours in the day. I know that some of you are working very long hours to get through these tough times and barely have enough time to sleep.I also know what it feels like to have a tired mind. I know that you can't think effectively when you don't give yourself time and space to do so. If you are under stress and you need to make tough decisions then it is essential that you schedule critical thinking time. At the very least you should be spending a few hours once month to think critically about the big picture and to see if there is a more effective way to reach your goals.

When are you going to do this? I do mine weekly on Sundays and daily before I start work. If I have multiple and complex decisions to make then I take a few hours to focus on the specific area of concern. This can be whilst I am running on the Downs or sitting in my garden at the weekends. The important thing is to schedule it and I know people who will set the alarm for 4 a.m. so that they can have critical thinking time.

You may not need to be so extreme but it is worth remembering that you can earn a living by working on your job or earn a fortune by working on yourself.With more passion than usual!
Tracey