Older theories about intelligence dictate to us that we are born a “certain way.” We have certain traits that others do not possess, others have certain traits that we do not possess, and that is that! There is no room for growth or expansion. Say what? Our intelligence is as it always was and there is no room for improvement. Back it up now…what?? Say that again, please. We are born a “certain way”… is that the way communication about intelligence is supposed to be?
So in today’s world, we know better. We know that we have the ability to change our mindset and, therefore, improve our capacity for learning by leaps and bounds. No longer is the status quo necessary. We can grow and strive to achieve more academically and, therefore, in life. Whew…I thought I was going to have heart failure right here on this blog post! My communication skills are okay, aren’t they? You be the judge.
Please Choose Your Words Carefully
Each one of us goes through our days speaking our mind. Yes, we do. We say things without giving it much thought and sometimes even holding things in and not speaking up for ourselves. Ha, then only to berate ourselves later on for doing so. If you take a moment to recognize and record the words you use daily, you may come to realize that the words you choose might directly relate to the mindset you have. Of course, why wouldn’t what’s on your mind affect what you say? You are communicating with your brain through your thought process.
What is a Mindset? Answer this Question for me, Please!
A mindset is a mental attitude you adopt which dictates how you will or will not perceive, react and respond to situations. Ok, I get is, so why is it important? Your mindset can and will determine your life from academics to career and beyond. Oh really, you say…I think I’d better straighten mine out then. I don’t like having a poor mental attitude, do you?
So, Why is it Important to Communicate Effectively?
The way you interpret your situation communicates to your brain. When it comes to intelligence, you may have a long-standing belief that you are either one way or another. For example, you may feel that you are average and are not questioning that old, limiting, and long-standing belief. It is important to communicate effectively by choosing the thoughts that will change the outcome. Oh, I get it now, don’t you? Changing your thought process with change the way you communicate with others.
Definition
com·mu·ni·ca·tion kəˌmyo͞onəˈkāSH(ə)n/ noun 1. the imparting or exchanging of information or news. “direct communication between the two countries will produce greater understanding” synonyms: transmission, conveyance, divulgence, disclosure; 2.means of connection between people or places, in particular.
For example, there have been many firsts in your life. You had to allow your first child to get on the bus to go to kindergarten without you there. Right? The next child it was a little easier and by the third child, if you had one, this task was not as big of a deal as the first time you had to face it. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking…get on the BUS ALREADY child!
By communicating to yourself that you can and will get through the many things that life sends to you, you’ll be able to meet and face more and more challenges along the way. More importantly, you get to do it with ease and grace; as long as you communicate to yourself that, you can and are able to do so. This is important stuff here my friends so I hope you are listening really well.
Effective Business Communication is Important Also
Communication is so much more than the words you speak to yourself; it’s also the thoughts you think. Hummm, have you ever thought of it this way? When you challenge yourself and achieve, you reset the communication bar. You allow yourself to see that not only can you achieve more by learning new things and taking on more challenges, but you also get to see that you can take on a growth mindset instead of a limiting one. Yes…I believe that!
If you are looking to improve your communication skills, especially for your business, join my Group Mentoring Program where you’ll learn effective communication skills in dealing with all types of situations. I have sessions starting every month, as a matter of fact…one is starting tomorrow, May 25th. Jump on quickly and get the special deal I’m offering right now. See ya there!
Oh, I almost forgot – if you need any of the business services I offer – please contact me here. Thanks a bunch!
When it comes to changing your mind, do you view that as a negative? Huhhh? In other words, do you have the perception of someone changing his or her mind as being indecisive or weak? Well, there are several reasons why changing your mind can, in fact, be a positive event.
From childhood, there are many stories we tell ourselves as we absorb the environment around us. For some of us, we might believe that our siblings are older, wiser, and smarter and that we simply cannot match up with their intelligence. For others, there may be a mindset of living small because every time we did not succeed we were praised and accepted anyhow instead of encouraged and motivated to do better. Doing better may have somehow been viewed and interpreted as wrong and unaccepting. Did this happen to you?
We all want our children to succeed and, as such, we may or may not set the bar too low and not encourage a growth mindset. We may instill in them that they are set in their ways and there is no chance for growth, and by the way, we do this inadvertently.
Labels
Sometimes we are given labels and, all too often, we have no clue that we do not have to accept or even identify with those labels. We may be taught that Johnny is the math genius while Suzy is the musician in the family – a limiting mindset that is more or less fixed. Did you know that you could change those labels by working harder to be whatever it is you wish to be in the world of academics? How is this possible?
How YOU can fix this:
* Start with recognizing that you are capable and have the ability to change your mindset. This is the first step in changing your mind. * Recognize that you can change your label at any time. All you have to do is choose to do so. * Next, it’s time to get to work. No change comes without work involved.
Practices to Take on
If you are a parent, there are certain steps you can take in order to facilitate a growth mindset. Start by giving your child a way and a means to reach higher goals rather than labeling them as “not good in math,” or “better in art.”
* Don’t set the bar too high, as unrealistic expectations and goals are not beneficial.
* Don’t set the bar too low so that no challenge or growth is initiated.
* Offer constructive criticism in order to have your child reach and grow, which sends the message that they are most certainly capable of doing great things as long as they choose to. A growth mindset is for everyone.
If you are a teacher or mentor, it is better to facilitate growth by motivating rather than labeling or viewing your student or athlete as someone who is, “not as good as” someone else or “not as talented in a certain area or skill.”
* Consider each member of the team as an individual. Seek to discover their weaknesses. In this manner, you can then concentrate on how to challenge them. * Challenge them to reach greater heights by motivating rather than considering them to be “as is” in any arena. * Give them the belief that they can and will work hard to achieve greater results; that they can be stretched to grow.
When it comes to changing your mind, you have a choice. Face the areas of your life that are your weakest; avoidance doesn’t work, work hard in that area to excel, and never stop learning.
So, how does this relate to business? It’s all about your mindset and how you focus on your dream. Things from your past WILL come up in your TODAY. Learn to deal with it, put it in the PAST where it belongs and focus on the FUTURE! Yours and your business!
If you need help focusing on your dream business, please contact me. I have a brand NEW Group Mentoring Program that just might help you figure ALL the things that need figuring out! Make your mindset a priority.
When was the last time you changed the theme on your website? Changed your headshots? Rewrote your “About” page? Ok Y’all, don’t you think it’s time to change all that!
If the answer to any of those questions is more than a year ago, listen up, because big paychecks require more than a fancy sales page and an email pitch. If you want to attract high-end clients, you have to look and act the part. Am I Right?
Change your Headshots
We all looked better ten years ago, but that’s no excuse for using old, outdated or—heaven forbid—amateur headshots.
When you’re selling any type of programs from $27.00 into the five figures, looking professional is critical, and that starts with great headshots. Hire a photographer who specializes in portraits for Virtual Service Providers. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a selection of high-resolution images you can use in all your marketing materials, including on your website.
Get Your Website Redone for a Fresh Change
Speaking of websites, if you’re still using the same theme you designed yourself, it’s time for a new look. While you can say that potential clients should not judge you by the way your site looks, they will. A clean, modern website will work wonders to improve your credibility and start attracting the right clients.
While you’re at it, take some time to solicit new testimonials. Don’t just load them all up on a single page though. Take the best ones and add them to your sales page, put them in your email newsletters, and include them in your lead-gen materials as well.
Your About Page Too – I’m telling you now…
And, don’t forget your “About” page, either. This one is hard for most people, so it’s a good idea to have someone else write this, or at least have a writer revise the one you wrote. Remember to include your most recent accomplishments, any awards or accolades, any speaking engagements, and anything else that lets people know you’ve got what it takes to help them grow. Include a few personal details as well, so readers will feel as if they know you just little better for having read it.
Remember to update your social media profiles as well. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and others have a long reach, so you want to ensure that no matter where potential clients find you, the information is consistent and professional.
Getting new headshots and making over your website might feel like a waste of time, but the truth is, people do judge a book by its cover. Yes, that’s a fact and you often only have a second or two to make a good impression. Make sure it’s the best one you can make.
Change is good! If you’re looking for an updated website, please contact me here. I’d LOVE to give you a fresh new look!
Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
Do you find that some days you wish you lived a different life? Boy, I hear you and that is a loaded question! Perhaps you find yourself wishing that you were Oprah, or Kim Kardashian or maybe Jennifer Aniston. It isn’t unusual to wish you lived a different life or were someone else. If you find that you have days where you feel unsatisfied or discontented, then it may be time to think about what you can do turn your life around. So, how do you live a Purposeful Life?
Find out what you’re really passionate about. Check out my free guide on how to create passion.
Dream about what you’d love to do, something that would make your heart soar. Try making a Dream Board.
Stop trying to be like someone else. Do you…always!
So tell me, what’s different about your life and that of those you admire and who inspire you? At first glance, it may be that you think it’s money or fame. Often you will look at what possessions they have or how much money is in their bank account. Instead look deeper and make a list of the qualities that you admire. It may be that you are inspired by their skills, knowledge, generosity or temperament. What is it for you?
johnhain / Pixabay
What do they have that you don’t? They have passion and live a purposeful life. They have something that they care about and are filled with a desire to make a difference; not just for themselves but for others. Have you ever noticed that about the people you admire? You know, they don’t have to be famous. It could be your child’s teacher, a favorite store manager or even your next door neighbor.
Your life can be fulfilling. Living a life of passion and purpose is possible for everyone. You do not need to be rich, famous or highly educated. You only think you do! But, is that what you really think?
To find your passion and purpose you need to discover what you really want. Don’t just consider material objects, look deeper at lifestyle, relationships, your health, and emotions.
Passion
passion [pash-uh n] Spell Syllables Synonyms Examples Word Origin See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com noun 1. any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. 2. strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor. 3. strong sexual desire; lust. 4. an instance or experience of strong love or sexual desire. 5. a person toward whom one feels strong love or sexual desire. 6. a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for music. 7. the object of such a fondness or desire: Accuracy became a passion with him.
For a positive difference to take place you don’t need to give up your job and follow your calling 100% of the time. You can start small and paint your masterpiece or write your novel in your spare time. This will allow you to begin to feel the benefits of doing what you love and feeling the positive effects and changes while still working and earning an income. Did you think about that? You can do both, so many people do.
Not everyone wants to change the world. It may be that you want to make a difference by volunteering at the local homeless shelter. Your desire to bring about positive change in the lives of others, less well off than yourself, will bring about an enormous change in your life. You will experience the joy of giving and in return feel a sense of satisfaction. In addition, you’ll probably pick up new skills, make new friends and connections and discover other changes you want to make in your own life.
StockSnap / Pixabay
Everyone deserves to live their best life. All you need to do is find what you really want to do that can make you feel excited, joyful, engaged and fulfilled. That way you can begin to live your best life instead of settling for a humdrum existence. I know that I always feel better when I have a purpose to get up in the morning to start my day. Then it fuels my entire day with joy and happiness.
If you need to find your purpose in your life, check out my FREE PASSION GUIDE. I’m sure you’ll love the fact that once you find your passion, you will also find your purpose.
Leave me a comment about this article and if you need some inspiration, feel free to connect with me by filling out the form below.
Everyone wants to be successful. Focus generally tends to be towards career success. However, personal or life success is also important.
Success is about achieving goals. After all, if you don’t have a goal then how can you be successful?
So what are the four secrets that can help you be successful?
Set Goals for Success
It is vital that you set goals for your personal and professional lives. These will provide a target for you to aim for. Once you’ve listed your goals, then write down the steps you are going to take to achieve them.
Add who or what can help you to your list. Find an accountability partner, mentor or coach who can help and support you. There are some terrific mentors in the online world. I can definitely help you with that!
gabrielle_cc / Pixabay
Remember That Your Personal and Professional Lives Are Inter-dependent
You may think that your career goals are totally separate from your personal goals. However, they are inter-dependent. Your career relies on your well-being, impacts on your family and relationships, your health and happiness.
Your happiness, relationships, and health are affected by your career. If you’re not happy at work or doing a job you love then it will have an impact on your emotional and physical well-being, as well as affecting other areas of your personal life.
To be successful in one area you need to create success in the other. Sounds a bit strange but let’s take it one step further.
Find Your Passion and Purpose
If your personal and professional lives are inter-dependent, then to be successful in them you will need to discover your passion and purpose. By discovering these you will create the determination to succeed.
This will enhance your creativity, spark inspiration and allow you to harness the power of flow in your activities.
EvaTejado / Pixabay
Ask yourself what you really want to do with your life. What do you want your legacy to be?
Where do you want to be 5 or 10 years down the road?
What exactly is making you happy?
Don’t Focus on the Money
While many people consider amassing wealth to be a sign of success, that should not be your end goal or sole success indicator.
Instead focus on your emotions, lifestyle, and well-being. What will your life look and feel like when you have successfully achieved your goals? How will your family and friends feel?
Why not create a vision board with words, quotes, and pictures showing your life as a success?
When thinking about your professional success, consider how you will know you’ve succeeded. What will your position be?
How will you be making an impact in your company and in the wider community?
What will your work day look like?
Think about work/life balance and the effect on your family and relationships with friends. How will your new role or business affect your life, health, and happiness?
Ana_J / Pixabay
While success can mean different things to different people, one thing all definitions have in common is that success is measured by achieving goals that make you feel positive emotions, for example, happiness and achievement.
You will find the greatest success comes when you use your passions to create your goals in life and work.
If you need help in discovering your passion, setting your goals or figuring out how to achieve success, please enter your information below so I can reach out to you and help you discover your success.
The 8 Ways to Discover Your Purpose and Your Passion
Life without having a purpose for some people can be a real struggle. Days will feel endless, tedious and life will be boring. By finding your purpose for something you will discover joy, creativity, inspiration and a greater sense of freedom and well-being. You’ll also discover a what your REAL PASSIONis.
Here are eight ways you can discover your purpose in life and what you’re most passionate about:
Purpose - Definition
noun 1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. 2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. 3. determination; resoluteness. 4. the subject in hand; the point at issue. 5. practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose. verb (used with object), purposed, purposing. 6. to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself. 7. to intend; design. 8. to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically. verb (used without object), purposed, purposing. 9. to have a purpose. Idioms 10. on purpose, by design; intentionally: How could you do such a thing on purpose? 11. to the purpose, relevant; to the point: Her objections were not to the purpose.
Create a Vision Board
geralt / Pixabay
Collect images and quotes that illustrate what you want for your life. Add your goals in written and visual form.
Creating a physical vision board will allow you to place it somewhere prominent where you will be able to see it frequently and it will reinforce the vision you have for the future and the life you want to live.
Make a List of Things You Enjoy Doing
analogicus / Pixabay
Write down everything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that you enjoy doing. Think back to your childhood and add all of those hobbies and activities that you love and were good at.
Which of these things sparks the greatest feeling of passion and joy in you?
List Your Dreams and Goals in Life
3271136 / Pixabay
Think big. What do you really want from your life? How would you like to be remembered?
Write down all the things that you have ever dreamed of being or doing. Include those from your childhood. Which of these dreams and goals resonates with you the most? Which is the one that sings to your soul?
geralt / Pixabay
Think Big – Really Big
Your purpose in life is meant to create a huge shift within you mentally and physically. So when trying to find your purpose in life don’t think small; think big. What would you like your legacy to be?
Be Inspired
Tumisu / Pixabay
Think about and list on a piece of paper, all of those people who inspire you. Then note down what it is about them and what they do that makes you feel inspired.
What can you take from their examples to create purpose in your life?
Get a Mentor
FotografieLink / Pixabay
A mentor who is already living the passionate and purposeful life you desire can help you to model their success. Networking is a great way to find a suitable mentor, so once you know what your goal is,
then find a way to connect with others with the same interests.
As a matter of fact, I know the perfect mentor for you! It could be ME!
Find a Life Coach
Coaching is a really powerful tool that will help you discover yourself, your interests and create the life you really want. Investing in yourself by choosing a coach will help you discover your passion and purpose with support, guidance, and encouragement.
There are many ways to discover your purpose in life. Many resources on the internet are free and some will require an investment in terms of money as well time. However, if you want to live your best life then you need to take action starting now. Pick one of the activities above and create the change you want and need.
If you are looking for a mentor to help you with your business, please fill out the form below. I would love to help you discover your purpose and your passion.
So, Just What are the 5 Steps to Finding YOUR Passion?
What is PASSION? Let me explain it to you. According to Merriam Webster, “passion means intense emotion compelling action. Passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.”
If you want to live your best life and find happiness, then you need to find your passion and follow it. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? It actually isn’t that hard you know. So it’s surprising that so many people don’t do it. They seem happy to just exist rather than living a life of happiness and success.
Am I right?
How many people do you know that just sits on the sidelines and does nothing to create a life that is passion-filled? I bet you don’t even have enough fingers and toes! lol
So, here’s what I’ve got for you today. I know, it’s so simple that a 3rd grader can do it because they actually can still dream!
To change your life for the better and create a future, check out the easy five steps below.
Step 1: Dream Big
Everyone has big dreams. Even YOU! What have you done with yours? Do you think about them, act on them or hide them away?
If you want to find your passion and purpose, then it’s time to dream big. I mean REALLY BIG!!
So here goes, get a piece of paper and a pen. List all of those big dreams you’ve had from childhood to today. No matter how wild or funny, write them all down. Go ahead, I’ll wait!
NOW:
Which of those dreams resonates most with you? Which makes your heart sing and inspires you the most? Is it realistic and achievable?
If you’ve set your sights on being the first full-time resident of Mars, then you’ll probably need to take another look at your list and find something that is more realistic and achievable but almost as exciting to you! What? You mean I need to dream bigger than this?
Remember, your big dream doesn’t have to be outrageous or huge. It just needs to be big enough to push you out of your comfort zone. And YOU need to be willing to commit to making changes in your life so that you can achieve it. You need to want it. It needs to spark desire and passion in you. You get it right?
Step 2: Set Goals
Oh no…I dread this one! Once you’ve decided what your ideal or dream is then you need to set goals. Your end goal is what you want to achieve; your dream.
There will be other, smaller goals, that you will need to achieve along the way. You need to note these down as well.
You still have your paper and pen right? You mean you threw it away already? What’s the matter with you silly? Now you have to go back to Step 1.
Step 3: Plan Your Way
Ok, now that you know what you want and need to achieve, it’s time to plan what you need to do to get there.
Think about what action you need to take, resources you will need and anything or anyone that can provide help and support. That might even be ME!! You never know right?
Step 4: Take Action
You know what you want, what you can expect from yourself, how you can achieve it and the steps to take. Right? So…It’s time to take action.
Remember you are looking for a passion-filled life. One that fills you with excitement, joy, and success. You can’t just want it, you have to do something to make it happen.
Step 5: Live Your Best Life
Once you’ve started taking action on your goals and plans you will find that your life starts to improve.
Instead of dreading each day you’ll look forward to it with excitement and anticipation.
Your best life is the one that gives you happiness, success, and achievement through living your passion and purpose.
If you want to find and live your passion, then you can follow the five steps above. You can do it on your own or you can give yourself a helpful boost by using a coach or mentor.
And I can help you with that because I’m getting ready to launch my NEW MENTORING PROGRAM. So you’ll want to stay tuned and watch closely for the BIG Announcement….coming soon!
What is the definition of a mentor? According to Merriam-Webster, it’s “a trusted counselor or guide”. So, a mentor is someone that motivates you to keep you accountable to yourself and provides guidance. Here’s how to pick the best mentor for your upcoming year…
Who Inspires You?
Start by thinking about who regularly inspires you. Maybe it’s the speaking coach that’s crushing it with her products or the crafty mom who turned her blog into a thriving business that supports her family.
It’s OK if you choose a mentor in a different niche. For example, you may choose a mentor who sells makeup online, even though you’re a brand designer for local businesses. Just because you’re in separate industries, it doesn’t mean you can’t be influenced by her.
Why Do They Inspire You?
As you consider who might be a good mentor, ask yourself why certain people inspire you. It may be they have something you want like a big business, a good marriage, or a great sense of style. It could also be something they already are like an artist, an entrepreneur, a speaker, or a novelist.
Getting clear on why someone inspires you is important. Once you know, you’ll understand yourself better and what it is you want to create more of in your own life.
How Can You Learn from This Mentor?
You can begin learning from your mentor right away. Read her blog and sign up for updates. Watch her video episodes and take notes on the nuggets of wisdom that capture your interest. Follow her on social media and check in on her profile a couple of times a week.
Study what works for your mentor and what doesn’t. Pay attention to how she structures her time and uses her energy. Note her goals and see how she reaches them and what tools she uses along the way.
How Will You Engage?
As you’re learning from your mentor and soaking up her wisdom, don’t forget to engage with her. Comment on Facebook or reply on Twitter. Let her know how much you appreciate the fact that she’s sharing her journey with others just like you.
Look for ways you could hang out with her, whether online or in a virtual space. Sign up for her webinar or attend the conference she’s speaking at. Watch her live streams on Facebook or take her courses.
So, let’s review.
Find someone that INSPIRES you.
Why do they INSPIRE you?
How can you LEARN from her?
How are you going to ENGAGE with her?
Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. In fact, there’s probably at least one women that you already admire and can learn a lot from! Yeah…ME!
Transform your year with the help of a business mentor. Discover how by signing up here.
Stop Talking about Your Goals Like They’re Dreams…Get ‘Em Done Instead
The other day, one of my business associates shared a free time calculator on their blog post. You can get this tool also! (get it here). Anyway, this tool will help you discover just how much time you have to pursue new goals and achieve those awesome things you’ve been putting off forever. So check it out…
Well, now that you know, you DO have the time to work on the things that matter to you, so let’s get to work on getting to those goals. Ok?
You’ve probably heard of S.M.A.R.T goals before…and that’s because it’s a formula that works.
Here’s an overview:
SPECIFIC – Your goal needs to be spelled out very precisely and you also need to have a reason WHY behind your goal. Some benefit or emotional attachment that will keep you focused. For example, a goal might be to earn $12,500 per month and onboard 5 new quality clients monthly in the next 90 days.
Using language that leaves no doubt as to what the goal is, why you want to achieve the goal, and how you will get there is very important. If you are not able to be detailed in your description of the goal, it will be hard to meet it. Take the time to do this part right.
MEASURABLE – This is where the Journal comes into play. It’s a report card and a method to measure what you want to accomplish and what you actually accomplished. If your goal cannot be quantified, then it’s not a full goal. By using this, you will know when you have succeeded. An example of a measurable goal would be “I want to deposit into our bank account an additional 100 dollars per week. I’ll accomplish this by writing five 500-word articles each week for a life coach.”
ACTIONABLE / ACHIEVABLE – There are different things that “A” can stand for, but it’s usually actionable or achievable. In order to achieve anything, you must take action. So, make your goal actionable. Do something each day that will eventually result in an accomplished goal.
Goals should also be achievable, or you will quickly get frustrated. Be accurate about the time it takes to reach a goal, and what actions it takes to get there. Also, know who will be responsible for doing it.
REALISTIC / RELEVANT – “R” can stand for realistic or relevant, and both are important. If you want your goal to succeed, it should most certainly be realistic, or you will fail. If you’re currently making $500 a week and your goal is to increase that to $12,500 in 90 days, now that’s not realistic. However, you may be able to increase it by $300. Once you achieve that goal and are earning $800 a week, you can set a new goal to increase your income by another $500 a week or something similar.
Your goal should also be relevant to your life’s vision. It should also match your values. There’s no point in making or achieving goals that have no relevance to your long-term life goals. You could instead use that time to reach goals that get you one step closer to actually reaching your life goals. So always ask yourself, if the goal is relevant to your life goals.
TIME BOUND / TIMELY / TRACKABLE – Various authors refer to the “T” in the S.M.A.R.T. acronym as time-bound, timely or trackable. All of these t’s are important parts of the goal creating and setting process. If you don’t set a time limit and you can’t track what is happening, your goal will be hard to quantify or show as achieved. And isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? You decide!
To help you work through and create S.M.A.R.T. goals, download the quick guide and worksheet below.
If you’re looking for a S.M.A.R.T. Virtual Assistant to keep you ON TRACK with your GOALS, contact me here. I would love to help you with that…of course!
Review the Simple Ways To Create and Plan For 2018
How to review your year:
When you first start to review your year, you’ll want to ask yourself certain questions. You can’t move forward without looking at where you came from, so it’s important to spend time reviewing 2017 in its entirety.
Definition
verb: to examine or assess (something) formally with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary.
Here is a list of questions to ask yourself:
What products/services did you create in 2017?
What do you want to do more of?
What do you want to do less of?
What worked?
What didn’t work?
What were you happiest doing?
What were your finances?
What stressed you out the most?
How do you feel about the last year overall?
These answers don’t have to necessarily be all business based. Maybe you want more freedom and you want to spend less time working. Maybe you want fewer clients so you can spend more time with your family.
There are no “right” answers to these questions, but you need to answer them honestly.
Create short-term and long-term goals
Now that you’ve reviewed your year, it’s time to start creating some short and long-term goals.
Start by creating your biggest goal first, because it will keep you accountable and give you something to strive for.
(For example, this year my long-term goal was to rebrand my website, so I signed up for a Beta Test and learned all about how to use the Divi Builder to create my new site.)
So, start with your long-term goal first. Then, break it down into short-term goals, doing it step by step. This will help you to achieve your long-term goal without the unnecessary stress.
Try doing it by each quarter as this might make more sense to you.
Your short and long-term goals may look different than others in your business circle. Remember that these are your goals, not your coaches, your partner or anyone else. The point is to think about the business you want to create and make sure your goals are in line with that.
Plan for next year
Planning for next year needs to happen in addition to creating an action plan, which I’ll discuss more about below.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you’re dreaming up what your 2018 could look like:
What are your financial goals for your business?
What new products/services do you want to launch (if any)?
How will you reach your financial goals?
What can you do in the first 90 days to get closer to your goals?
How will you grow your audience in 2018 (blogging, YouTube, Facebook Lives, etc.)?
What marketing strategies will you focus on to promote your products/services?
Answering these questions is critical to your success as a business owner. As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.”
If you need some extra help, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be more than happy to help you review your business with you and suggest some goals you might like to try.
Create an action plan for how you’ll achieve those goals
Now, this is where the magic happens. Nailing down your goals is a crucial step to reviewing your year, but if you don’t create an action plan for how you’ll achieve those goals then you won’t get very far.
If you want more Time Freedom in your life, you’re going to need to set up systems and processes for your business to run without you being attached to it. This is the simplest way to become successful.
This may mean investing in programs that help automate tasks. This could also mean you need to outsource some tasks so you can focus on what you do best.
Try to plan out your short-term goals in 90-day chunks. From there, create an action plan for each of those goals and what you need to do each week to move forward.
If the people and systems you need to invest in gets to be too pricey for you, you may need to reconsider some of your goals you have.
Identify how you’ll measure the progress of these goals
What measurements will you use to check in on your progress for your short and long-term goals? Throughout the year, revisit your goals and see if you’re on track.
Sometimes you can make long-term goals and then realize halfway through the year that you need to change directions.
That’s completely alright! Really!
But, you need a process in place for you to continuously be revisiting your goals, checking in on your numbers, and revising what works and what doesn’t work so you can continue to move forward.
Planning for downtime
This is so necessary but often a step that’s overlooked when planning for the next year.
Please, leave downtime in your schedule
This means don’t overdo creating so many new product ideas in the first 90 days of the year that you collapse from exhaustion. Really, some people actually do this!
Give yourself a chance to breathe and not be doing, creating, giving, sharing every week of the year. You can increase your business without sacrificing your time and energy. Smart planning is critical to your health also.
Because life will happen. And some project will get pushed back or delayed for reasons out of your control. Or your kids will get sick. Or you’ll get sick. Again, because life will happen. There’s no escaping it, ya know?
You’ll appreciate the downtime in the future, so you can either catch up on work that was missed or take some time to relax and focus on refreshing your mind/body.
And…that’s WHY you need someone to help you with all the many things on your to-do list. Allow me to offer you some Time Freedom in YOUR Business!
Contact me here – I would love to help you – every step of the way!
Hello to all of our visitors. Linda Henslee Enterprises provides Project Management Services to other online business owners. Need our services? Use our contact form to get in touch with us.
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