My Top Lessons Learned In 2022
Well, it was just January and now it’s December, or at least that’s how the general consensus shows. Although this past year went at super speed - aka Mr Toad’s Wild Ride - I will walk into 2023 with many lessons learned. Right now, I’m preparing for my second annual “Reflection and Action Planning” day with my accountability partner.
Last year we settled into some comfy chairs at a local coffee shop, went back through our calendars to assess the craziness that was 2021, pulled out the successful moments, and shared our desires for the coming year. We got serious and tactical about the best ways for us to grow our businesses in 2022.
There were many lessons learned in my world. I want to share three of the major ones with you, and hope that I can help you move forward successfully in your business as we head into 2023.
Where Mr. Toad Took Me
The good old Corona Virus decided to ring in the New Year with me. Not only did I lose a week of work to sickness, it took another two weeks of exhaustion and fatigue before I was back to normal. I was not that excited to be behind on the plan I had just created before the end of the first month of the new year.
And…there’s a sequel! Mr. Toad picked me up for another go ‘round. From August to October, every area of my life was thrown off course by a plethora of unexpected things. I dealt with loss, health issues, car troubles, busy kids, an over-scheduled spouse, and my all-time favorite, a little family dysfunction.
#1 Lesson Learned - Business Systems for the Win!
There was one other thing on the list - my business was low key thriving, regardless of all the obstacles that fell in my way. And I owe it all to systems, especially weekly planning. Although I rarely get ahead, I don’t fall behind often, either. So, when something unexpected happens, everything does not go to H-E-double hockey sticks in a hand basket. It’s easy to see what needs my attention first when I get back on track.
I look at what got done and what didn’t, then I lean on processes like onboarding that are huge time savers. I use my VA and social media manager to keep my tasks and communications going. When you have systems like these in place you can jump back in without feeling lost, frazzled, or overwhelmed.
#2 Lesson Learned - The Importance of Building Relationships
This can be a slippery slope for entrepreneurs. When business is slow, we network, ask for referrals, and send emails. Then when business picks up we let follow-up drop off the priority list. Even though we know better, we feel pulled to do the work that pays the bills. But when you don’t follow up consistently, you can’t get out of this ebb and flow cycle of business.
Ongoing relationships are the key to consistent business, as well as support, feedback, and like-minded community. And without establishing these relationships you’ll continually scramble for sales. Do your best to keep it at the top of your priority list.
#3 Lesson Learned - Create and Honor Your Boundaries
“Boundaries" seems to be the word of the year. Lots of people are talking about them - what they are, how to keep them without hurting anyone’s feelings, and what can stop others from trampling all over them.
Awkward confession - most of the things that frustrated me and wore me down in the past year happened because I got squishy around my boundaries. Have you heard yourself say any of these things?
Just this once.
Only for family.
I can work this weekend.
I’ll do it for you, but don’t tell anyone.
People from all aspects of your life - clients, colleagues, friends and family - will push your boundaries, especially if you have relented before. Similar to the Three Little Pigs, you need to decide if your boundaries are going to be built out of straw, sticks, or bricks. Your boundaries need to be solid. You have to be clear on why they exist. Healthy boundaries exist to make us aware that we have hit our limit.
If you’d like to have this sort of system in your business so you can survive the wild and unexpected rides in your life and business, I’m holding a CEO Power Planning Workshop on December 14th.
P.S. Ready to stop spinning in place and get to the other side of your goals? Here are several ways I can help:
Download my free weekly planning guide - it will help you become more intentional with your time, develop a clear action plan for your week, and ensure that you are focusing on activities that will move your business forward - Download Now
Join our next CEO Power Planning Session and spend two and a half hours ON your business. During this facilitated workshop, you’ll set and prioritize your next 12-week goals, break them down into an executable action plan and create a resource plan - Join the Wait List
Apply for the next Close the Gap Program and stay on track to achieve your most important goals. 1:1 support and guidance on prioritizing goals, creating a plan and putting structure and routines in place. Then 12 weeks of group support around execution - Apply today