It’s claimed as Hot Tea Month, Hobby Month and even Divorce Month. I think of January as Get Real Month. It’s time for reviewing your business behaviors. What’s moving you forward? What’s holding you back? Here are three behaviors that top the list:

I’m not wired to sit at a desk// Some business owners will do anything to evade think time. They’re great at networking and generating ideas. When it comes to thinking through the implementation, they are equally adept at evasion tactics.

I put out fires// I once worked for a boss who felt most productive when putting out fires. When his company was operating smoothly, he would create a crisis that he could step in and resolve. Constantly dealing with crises prevents you from thinking about your business.

I have to do it myself// These business owners are overwhelmed with daily decisions and tasks that others should be doing. Every business owner must eventually face the operational consequences of growth: you can’t continue to make decisions or execute on every detail of your business.

If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, maybe it’s time to get real. First, make and keep a recurring weekly appointment with yourself to think about what’s happening in your business and prioritize your activities. Figure out which day and time of day you feel most focused and open to stepping away from the daily details and claim that time as your own. Consider choosing a non-office location for your appointment if interruptions or distractions are an issue. Make certain that you’re not substituting office interruptions for distractions in another location.

During your appointment, keep your business goals, opportunities and issues visible. Reviewing a standard list of questions at each meeting can help you to focus.

Business Changes

• What needs to change in my business?
• Who or what resources do I have to make this change? Who are my best change agents?
• Whom do I know who can help with this?
• Which of my current activities need to change?

Opportunities and Issues

• What can be done right now to help to resolve this issue or leverage this opportunity?
• Who can take this action?
• What is the most productive use of my time?
• What were the top three things I did last week?
• How do these things contribute to my business goals and opportunities?

Priorities and Productivity

• What percentage of my time did I spend on those things?
• What were the least important things I did in the last week?
• How could I have deferred or delegated those things?
• Then ask yourself the same questions for the coming week.

The most important appointment you can keep is the one you make with yourself. Get Real in January, and you’ll see results in 2015.