Coming back after holidays can be a real drag, but it’s the perfect opportunity to make those changes you’ve been wanting to see, and promising yourself you’ll do. Before you slip back into old routines and bad habits, integrate those changes into your weekly schedule. Is it more marketing, networking, strategic planning, systems or online promotion you’ve been meaning to do more of? What support and accountability do you need? Is it a virtual assistant, a bookkeeper, coach or mentor? A cleaner? You’ll feel a bit out of sorts adjusting, but that is going to happen anyway coming back from holidays, so turn it to your advantage.
Have a blitz on filing and cleaning out your work space or office. Aside from paperwork needing to be kept for taxation purposes, be brutal and when in doubt, throw out. Rearrange things for a fresh perspective and more comfortable work flow. A clear space gives you a clearer mind to be more creative and decisive. Artwork and plants can make a workplace more inviting or more depressing, depending on the type of artwork and the health of the plants. It’s all about getting your mindset in the right frame to be productive.
Goal setting and planning is most effective done back in November, but it’s never too late to get clear on what you want and how you’re going to get it. The driver behind the wheel determines how quickly and safely the destination is reached, and how comfortable the journey is. Are you the driver or passenger in your business? How many more areas can you gain or regain control? What can you do to make your journey more enjoyable?
When you are enjoying your work you’ll be more productive and creative. Delegate what you don’t enjoy, and focus on what you do, as they will most likely be your strengths. Learn from past results you didn’t like, and apply that knowledge to ensure you get results you desire in the future. When you are enjoying learning, enjoying the daily challenges as stimulating, focussing on your wins and getting step by step closer to your desires, then your stress levels will stay in a healthy range. So watch that self-talk, and ensure you are talking yourself into success, not out of it.
A healthy mind also needs a healthy body to support it. You need energy to keep up your activity and business growth. Any festive goodies not already consumed can be packed up and given away, and stock up your fridge and pantry with the kind of fuel your body needs to thrive instead. Ensure you include protein every meal, drink 2 L filtered water every day, limit bread, pasta, rice and fruit, get rid of sugar and fried foods, and if you need alcohol choose wine over beer or spirits with soft drink mixers. Ideally eat your evening meal before 7pm, or have your main meal in the middle of the day. Be strict during the week, and you can relax the reins on the weekend.
If you are a morning person, set your alarm earlier and as you do that each night, commit to getting up immediately it goes off in the morning. Have your exercise gear laid out so you don’t have to think about anything to get out the door, or into your home gym/pool/exercise DVD. If it fits your routine to exercise at lunchtime or on the way home after work, do that – make it work for you, and make it something pleasant, enjoyable or at least not something you hate doing! If you need accountability get someone else to meet you, hire a personal trainer or go to a class. Use exercise as “Me Time” or involve your kids so they learn great healthy living habits too.
Remember to nourish your relationships as well as your body and business. Your business success can be hobbled by an unhappy home life, and crippled by a divorce. The most important relationship you have is with yourself. Focus on what you do want rather than what you don’t, and above all – speak respectfully to yourself. Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to your best friend. When you love and respect yourself, then others will too.
Your life is now, not tomorrow, so enjoy it now.
NOTE: if you need help with weight release, non-smoker conversion, or the clarity, confidence and motivation to make change please email Sue Lester, Head Transition Coach and Master Practitioner of NLP, on info@growingcontent.com.au or call 07 3103 2679 to discuss and book a convenient time to change. Skype sessions also available worldwide.
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