Public relations is firmly rooted in both principle and reality that people act on their perception of facts, and that something can be done about those underlying perceptions. When public relations activity successfully creates, changes or reinforces that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-action those people whose behaviors affect organization, public relations effort is a success. In end, a sound public relations strategy combined with effective tactics leads directly to bottom line – perceptions altered, behaviors modified, client/employer satisfied.

But not everybody believes that’s job public relations is meant to do. Here, in hopes of getting closer to truth, are a few “contrasting opinions,” and a reaction to each.

“PR is all about image.” This would ring truer if it aimed that image directly at affecting individual perception leading to predictable behavior modification. And all as planned at beginning of public relations program.

“PR creates mutual understanding?” Yes, but why not take that phrase to its logical conclusion and add “leading to modifying perception and thus behavior of key audiences as planned before effort got under way.”

“PR is doing good and getting credit for it.” But most effective when that credit is expressed through altered perceptions and modified behaviors of key audiences.

“PR is management of communications between an organization and its publics.” And, as above, so much more effective when those communications are positioned to reach and alter individual perception and behaviors.

But another entrepreneur, in a very similar field, went into her business with attitude that she had something very valuable to sell, that people would rush to buy her service, and that she would begin making money almost immediately. And this is what happened for her!

Look at your own experience: Do you fill time with busywork, when you could actually produce your achievements in much less time? You have to trust yourself enough to let go. If you feel you deserve to have fun and succeed - however you define that - you deserve to have more leisure time.

Folks, "now" is your only reality, and leisure time you take now is only leisure time you can count on having. Further, taking time for leisure provides an incentive to make opportunities for more of it, and time to form a clear vision of what you truly want.

Here are a few ways to create for yourself these energizing leisure experiences. Take a day off and think up a bunch more of your own!

THE UNEXPECTED DAY OFF

Arbitrarily take a day off and "spend" time on yourself. Whatever you have to do, get away from your routine. Pick a day you would never normally be off. See what it feels like to be a member of leisure class for an entire day.

THE BETWEEN-JOBS/PROJECTS VACATION

Changing jobs or starting new entrepreneurial ventures is becoming more norm than exception. The tendency often is to rush right into next job or project or business venture.

Instead, treat yourself. Pretend that it took you an extra month to find new job or line up all ducks for new enterprise.

Enjoy that month as a reward for being so productive. Often self-doubt is only obstacle preventing you from delaying new starting date.

Think of it this way: if you are valuable today, you'll be even more valuable a month from now. And it isn't bad psychology to let your subconscious know you feel prosperous enough to take a whole month off without pay!

THE SABBATICAL

This is a ten-day retreat you take for yourself, with a task in mind. Write down ten positive talents or characteristics you have.