I don’t know about you, but I tend to reduce my client work in December and spend more time working ON my business versus in the business.  This allows me to better prep myself for the upcoming year and start the new year strong.  So today, I want to chat with you about some simple things that you can do over the next month to start 2023 STRONG!

1. Get clear on your vision for the upcoming year. 

The first step is to set some realistic goals. What do you want to accomplish in the next year? Maybe you want to lose weight, save money, or start a business. Whatever it is, make sure your goal is specific and achievable. Trying to accomplish too much will only set you up for disappointment, so focus on one or two areas that you really want to improve.

So now you – What do you want to achieve?

What does success look like for you and your business?
Do you want to travel more?  Do you want more time with your family?

What will need to happen to make that a reality?

2. Take a close look at your numbers from this past year. 

What worked well?
Was there any place in your business that you spent time or money that didn’t produce results?

Where do you need to make some changes?

3. Make a plan.

Once you’ve decided on your goals, it’s time to make a plan. What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal? For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your plan might involve eating healthier and working out three times a week. If your goal is to save money, your plan might involve setting a budget and sticking to it.

4. Schedule some “me” time into your calendar. 

This is not optional! You cannot pour from an empty cup, my friend.  We have glorified the hustle and grind lifestyle.  And I want to turn that on its head.  I believe that the happier and healthier YOU are, the happier and healthier your business is!  I schedule two days OFF of my business every week. I have two other nights a week, that I shut down by 4 pm.  I plan those into my life because I know that it helps me be BETTER when I show up in my work!

5.  Make a list of the people who need to be in your inner circle next year. 

These are the people who will lift you up, encourage you, and help you achieve your goals.  Great business relationships can truly help supercharge your business growth.  But in addition to the networking and sharing of resources, these are the people that will also often be the best sounding board, and will support you when you need business guidance!

6.  Set aside time to celebrate all that you accomplished this past year! 

It’s common to always look UP the mountain and see how far you still have to go, while missing how far you have already come.  Take time to recognize what you have accomplished this year.  Celebrate the wins, start creating your goals, and get ready to hit the ground running in January!

7. Create systems to track your progress over the next year.

Another key element of stick-to-ability is being able to see your progress over time. This could mean keeping a journal or tracking your numbers in a spreadsheet. Seeing how far you’ve come will not only motivate you to keep going but also help you see areas where you may need to make adjustments to your plan.

8. Hold yourself accountable.

Finally, one of the most important things you can do is hold yourself accountable. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up – just get back on track.. And if you find yourself struggling, reach out for help from your support system. They’ll be there cheering you on every step of the way.

These tips will help set you up for success in the new year!  Just take some time to get started today!