The lazy days of summer are upon us. Clients are vacationing, kids are home from school, and the call of the pool, the beach or that steamy novel is almost irresistible.

Relaxation is good, but distraction isn't. Make sure you're clear on which you're engaging in. Phil Kaplan defines distraction as a monster that can be defeated only by the heroes of focus, clarity, planning and/or discipline. I like that analogy. When distraction looks more like a swamp monster than a fruity drink on the beach, it's easy to see it for the momentum-buster it really is!