Tax time is arguably the best and worst time for business owners. On the one hand, many entrepreneurs don't want to deal with all the paperwork, and on the other, many realize how behind they got on keeping their accounting records up to date and know they need to make a change for the coming year.

Do you remember when there were “smoke breaks” during the workday, when employees took at 10-15 minute break from their desk? As a non-smoker, I remember when I began working feeling jealous of those that were able to take this break during the day while I kept plugging away.

I recently was thinking about what those breaks provided to smokers at the time. It gave them a few minutes in their day to walk away from their tasks at hand and get some quiet time.

Many people get into business with a clear vision of what they want to accomplish. This often is based on using specific personal values and principles as a foundation--how you want your business and workplace to conduct itself in terms of employees, customers, the community, and even the world.

I have spent most of my career as an entrepreneur and executive working remotely. I've run businesses, meetings, and in-depth projects with people in the same city, from the other side of the country or even around the world--all from the comfort of my home office or wherever I happen to be traveling for business.

Although we know it's best to be fully present in everything we do throughout the day--it's tough to do this without practice and guidance on how to stay focused. 

When we are exposed to so many alerts, notifications, and other electronic distractions, it's easy to lose our ability to pay attention to those around us--co-workers, employees, clients, and even family members. And then there are the everyday stresses and worries of our normal wandering mind.

Why does your business do what it does?

So often we get away from the main reason we go into business and it can show up in how we communicate to customers and the public. Every business has a personal storyof how it began and it's often based on a personal philosophy or experience.

My yoga practice has taught me the power of mindfulness and how to train my mind to focus more on the present moment. That level of concentration comes in handy when doing challenging balancing poses and inversions when a wandering mind is like a sudden burst of wind that easily can cause me to topple.

No matter your industry or profession, the modern work environment can be a lonely place.  Even if you’re working in a bustling office amid a clamor of people, the interpersonal disconnect can be isolating, and can even lead to the extreme mental exhaustion known as burnout.

Many times, a new year can be when we are motivated to set new personal goals. We may want to get in better shape, save more money, or learn a new skill.

But what about your business? It deserves the same attention--but unfortunately often gets ignored. In fact, one survey found that more than 80 percent of the 330 business owners surveyed didn't track their business goals.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on our business successes and shortcomings, learn from them, and begin to plan for a new (and better) year. When I look back on my articles from this year, what stands out are the topics that people found most interesting and helpful to running their businesses.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on our business successes and shortcomings, learn from them, and begin to plan for a new (and better) year. When I look back on my most popular articles, what stands out are the topics that people found most interesting and helpful to running their businesses. So in case you missed them the first time (or need a reminder), here are four tips from some of my top stories that can help you prepare for a more successful 2019.

The same foods that cause obesity and heart disease are equally bad for your brain.