2025 has been another turbulent year, but if there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s the importance of being PRESENT.

Like you, we run our own business.And, like a lot of you, we are a family business.

Add in the mix of group calls, an expanding Partnership, Advisory Board Meetings, Masterminds, networking meetings, workshop presentations, kit manager for the local football club (85+ teams!), teenage twins, and a Springer Spaniel, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and a juggling act.

BUT the challenge is, there is NO such thing as multi-tasking!

Let me say that again…

There is NO such thing as multi-tasking; you can only land one plane at a time.

So, how do you go about this without working 24/7, getting stressed, and feeling overwhelmed?

There’s no easy answer, but one that’s made a big difference to us, is that of Being Present.

Whether I’m working ON the business, IN the business, Head of I.T. when Fortnite is ‘glitching’ or being the Uber driver for the kids growing list of sporting commitments, I make sure I’m only focusing on that ONE thing.

For example:

I helped Nigel Botterill with two x ten-hour Masterminds the other week.I explained to everyone at home, and to our Slack Community, that I’d be out for those days, which meant I could focus 100% on listening, challenging, and providing as much value to those business owners in that room.

When I’m focussing on Money Now – activities that drive our revenue today – I have allocated slots in my diary that our clients can book, and I focus all my energies on those calls safe in the knowledge that I’m not distracted elsewhere.

When I’m focussing on Money Future – activities like developing the business for tomorrow – I set aside specific time and focus on one area that will move our business from A to B to reach our future goals.

If I’m driving the kids to their various sports, I make sure I watch their sessions rather than sat in a warm, dry car checking my emails.

At family mealtime, I make sure I’m 100% present and not distracted by the footy results on my phone (helped by the kids reminding me: “no devices at the table, Dad!”).

This week is a reminder to STOP trying to multi-task (because you’ll fail) and focus on Being Present, being aware (I don’t just mean being in the same room). Here’s some ways to help you - and those around you - be present in your business:

• Become aware of how you impact others, as well as how you’re impacted by others.

• Create the right environment including a culture and process for open, honest feedback.

• Listen, not tell. Telling leaves people feeling you’ve given them all your burdens but taken none of theirs off their shoulders.

• Replace bad habits with positive ones (by bad habits I mean procrastination, not letting go, not making decisions, getting distracted by shiny new things etc).

• Stimulate conversations with questions to engage others and allow your team the opportunity to challenge and learn.

• Communicate to your team on a regular basis how you expect them to think, act and behave.

• Give yourself a break and be kind to yourself! You’re only human and right now a lot is being asked of you.

Understanding and executing these will help deliver the results without the stress or burden of being stuck in a chaotic environment.

Today is a gift and that’s why it is called the present….

Do some honest reflection – how present have you really been this year?

What can you stop doing / do more of to be present in 2026?

BW,

Martin

Martin Norbury

Investor | Business Mentor at Advocate | Author of I don’t work Fridays