This is our last official blog post of 2014. We don’t coach or consult during the last 2 weeks of the year. We feel so strongly about this, that this time is exempt in all our coaching and consulting agreements. It’s not that we are going on extended vacations or ignoring our clients – in fact it’s just the opposite. We are getting in position to start the next year strong and be certain it’s our best year yet. And so should you.
Here are five things (plus a bonus item) you may consider doing before Monday, January 5:
1. Enjoy some time off.
Yes, obvious, but so obvious that some forget this is a time to spend with loved ones. Regardless of your level of success this year, there is plenty to be thankful for. It’s even okay to take a holiday break from your diet.
2. Clean up your office/desk/cubical.
This maybe one of the more productive things you can do all year long. Nothing says “fresh start” like an organized and clean workspace. It’s not only the practical and physical appearance, but also the psychological impact it will have on you. I can guarantee that most of you still have papers on your workspace that have been there since June. Some of you still have papers on your desk since 2012! If you haven’t addressed those papers of now, you never will. Put them in the shredder.
3. Clean out your email inbox.
Imagine Monday morning, January 5, 2015. It’s 8:00 am and you start your New Year – with nothing, in your inbox. Too good to be true? No it’s not. Now imagine every day like this in 2015. Take a few hours over the next two weeks to handle every email.
- For those that can be handled with a quick response – respond.
- For those that need a future response – set a task in your calendar or CRM and then delete it.
- For those that can be delegated, forward it.
- And for the rest – probably 90% of all your emails – delete them. Life will go on.
4. Review and Reflect on your progress in 2014.
You must always look back, however briefly, if you want to grow next year. Simply prodding along and moving forward won’t get you where you are going unless you know where you are starting from. For a free copy of our Review, Reflection and Vision form, visit our Resource Page on our website.
5. Set a Vision for Dec. 2015.
What are your Major Goals for 2015? Not just a financial goal (Ex. I want to make X), but true initiatives that will support you in achieving your financial goal. We always create a “Wouldn’t it be great when…” big, wild goal. Notice, I didn’t state, “Wouldn’t it be great IF”. Set a high goal and go after it.
6. {Bonus Item} Block out Time in your Calendar NOW.
Create “reoccurring events” in your calendar today for 2015. For example, I block out every Friday for working ON the business. Other ideas would include blocking out a specific hour a day for prospecting, or blocking specific weeks or long weekends you will be taking breaks. Be proactive and commit to your time in 2015 and watch your income soar!
2014 was a great year – the market is back baby!! 2015 will be a strong year as well. It all starts in 2 weeks. Take some time over these next 2 weeks to set yourself up for leveraging this opportunity. You have no excuse not to make 2015 your best year yet.
Here’s to more success and less stress in 2015. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!
