Happy November.
Do you take a moment at the start of each month to look back over the last one, reflect and reset?
What went well? What didn’t? What would you like to roll forward, what would you like to leave behind?
For me the last few months have been a bit all over the place. There have been a lot of behind the scenes work, both in my business and at home. We’ve been renovating our bathroom and I’ve been making some changes in the studio too. Plus of course photo shoots and content workshops to keep me on my toes. So I’ve got a LOT to reflect on, some of which I’m very happy to be leaving behind so I can move into the next phase.
When I’m thinking of the new month ahead, it helps me if I ask myself a few questions, so I thought I’d share them here in case they help you too. Please feel free to flick me back an email with your answers, there’s nothing I love more than seeing how others plan and take action in their business. Or let me know what your process is if you do something different to see out the old month and welcome the new.
What didn’t you finish last month that’s ongoing?
What new plans have you got for the new month?
How are you going to make them happen?
Have you set goals? Are they realistic? Are they measurable?
At this time of year, with Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed at everything that needs to be done. Christmas promos, sales, decorating and shopping. Then there’s all the usual everyday stuff that comes with running a business and a home that doesn’t put itself on hold just because it’s almost the festive season.
With that in mind, ask yourself if your plans are sustainable?
Do you have a calendar with monthly, weekly and daily tasks outlined?
Are you setting small chunks of action every day so you don’t get overwhelmed?
Are you ticking things off as you go?
Do you have a Vision Board or Book that helps keep you on track?
When we’re at our busiest we often feel the need to just go, go, GO. But this is when we need to step back and look at our tasks from a bird’s eye view, so we can see how every little thing ties in together. When things are in order it feels less overwhelming. Plus there’s the extra benefit of having insight into where we might need a little extra helping hand. Pay particular attention to the following.
Is it time to outsource something?
Can a friend or family member step in and help?
Can someone at home step up and take on more of the household tasks?
Do the kids need to go to after school care for the rest of the term?
Do you need to order ready made meals so you just need to heat them up at night?
Another downside of having your own business is the way we think we need to do everything ourselves. And that if we don’t cook, pick up the kids from school or have a perfectly tidy house then we must be failing, all while working in and on our business. It’s a crazy pressure we lump on ourselves, when realistically we cannot do everything; certainly not for any length of time anyway.
So today, on this first day of November I invite you to take a little time, to really reflect on the previous month and decide how to best look after yourself as well as your business for this new month as well as the rest of the year (there’s a scary thought hey!!).
And if there’s anything I can do to help please reach out by hitting reply. I love chatting all things business and personal branding. Or if you just want to share what’s happening with another like minded business owner I’d love to hear from you tool.
Of course if you want to look and feel more confident as the face of your business then this is something I’m waiting to help you with. If getting good branding photos or an updated headshot has been on your to do list, or you’re struggling to get a half decent selfie, this is something you can outsource straight away. Click the link below and give this a big tick off your list right now!
My next headshot mini days are on Wed 16th and Thursday 17th November, and they include a bonus Christmas set up so you’ll have a festive headshot photo perfect for the lead up to Christmas as well as a fabulous new headshot photo for every other day.
Alternatively if you need more than just a headshot let’s talk about how Personal Branding Photos or a Lifestyle Headshot Session with Makeup might be for you. BOOK A FREE CLARITY CALL HERE and let’s have an obligation free chat!
Can’t wait to hear all about your reflections and planning!
Amanda