I was on vacation last week. I enjoyed the time with my family, the great meals, and the extra time it allowed to read and reflect. But in the midst of it (following a couple phone conversations with clients), I was struck by how August is often viewed as such a down month with no productivity, nobody around, and nothing happening – the dog days of summer.

The fact is, it's a terrific time to think, reflect, and plan. But that time is short. In just a few weeks, the kids are back in school, all our activities kick back into high gear, and there's more focus on business, work, etc.

What if you used these next few weeks to make some big stuff happen in September, October and November? What is you used the next few weeks to think big (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), plan big (make a concrete 90-day plan for those months), and get energized for the important season ahead? Down times are a gift, not an obstacle; use this one for all it is worth!