It is easy to get caught up in the festive energy at Christmas time, and often working long hours IN the business, it can be hard to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What is working, what isn’t, and what can I change to ensure I reach my goals – “my one Christmas wish†to ensure I am working smarter – not harder.
I know it sounds easy…..but finding just 10 mins to reflect (that is not better spent sleeping) can be almost impossible.
So here is what I have done to ensure I can build my business successfully before I give in completely to exhaustion.
As I am doing something for the 100th time and saying to myself……I wish I could have someone do that for me…or I wish I had organised that better…..or I wish I hadn’t done that………..I write it on a note and stick it to the fridge.
After the craziness calms down and the dust has settled I will re-read all my wishes and pick one that will make a significant difference to the way I do business and most importantly to the way I FEEL about my business. I will then put it in an envelope and post it to myself. There! … it is out there and the universe has heard my wish.
After Christmas, when I receive my letter – then it is time to do the serious work.
Funnily enough a jolly fat man in a red suit is not going to magically make my business wish come true (although that is a nice thought)… so it is up to me to build a realistic plan or mission if you like, set measurable and achievable goals and plan baby steps to achieve a stronger and healthier business, not to mention a happier me.
Here are some tips in making sure your Christmas wish comes true.
1. Write down the things you say over and over. Don’t just write down anything you think of or may feel at that particular time. If you say it often – then write it down.
2. Pick only one to focus on. You will be sure to follow it through.
3. Make sure you post it to yourself. This is a great reminder of how you felt in the “crazy†period and it is important to state it in a formal way. It can make you feel like someone is directing you in how to change things about your business and it can be very powerful.
4. When making your plan, set small steps to achieving the bigger picture with achievable results and a deadline for each. The idea of a Christmas wish is you have until next pre Christmas period for it to be in place – so make the most of small achievable goals. Don’t forget to make a deadline too for when you need your wish to be actioned!
5. Don’t lose focus. As you have well over 10 months to turn your wish into reality, it can feel like there is no hurry to action. So ensure your plan includes measurable steps on a regular basis. It maybe monthly, fortnightly or even weekly, but make sure you review your progress, re-adjust your planning and keep focused on the end goal. Be consistent and routined about checking your progress.
6. Tell a friend. Telling a good friend of your wish can help keep you honest. Meet for a coffee every month and make it the opening conversation that they ask you about your progress. This is a fabulous way to keep on target and regularly see your friends.
Christmas can be hectic, crazy and at times even a little destructive for a sole creative trying to survive in business.
But the promise of being objective about your business and “wishing†for a better way can make looking forward a delight and can bring new energy and focus to yourself and your business……… at a time when the post festive blues can take hold.
Ho ho ho Merry Christmas!
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Image by LindaScannell on Flickr.
Lisa has 15 years experience as an international department store buyer – specialising in branded concepts. She is also a marketing graduate and owner of a small business. She shares her experience, knowledge and frustrations in building a business into a recognizable brand on her blog, The market mill, which offers tips, advice & words of encouragement to help like-minded people market their creativity.
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