Choosing Words: Sometimes you Need a Plan B

For many years I have chosen words for the coming year. Things I need more of, or that I need to be aware that already exist. They can keep you on track, and motivate and inspire you. Unless your year low-key implodes, and you need a plan B.

At the end of 2022, I again chose three words to lead me into 2023, the year I thought would be my best year yet. But my chosen words were quickly overrun by things out of my control.

I hit January 2023 with both feet on the ground, but by the time we hit February, things started to unravel. Some unexpected financial challenges led to many months of uncertainty. After over a year of planning and saving for a family trip of a lifetime, we had no choice but to cancel. 

Then one of our boys learned that he was being deployed by the National Guard to the border of Mexico. My twins landed back at home after college graduation. 

I love having them home, but it required an adjustment in time and energy, and the food bill and cooking responsibilities, which tend to be mine all mine. 

And I was supporting a dear friend who had a horrendous year after experiencing a significant loss and then back-to-back freak accidents. It was important to me to be there for her as much as she needed me. 

Life had handed me a big ass bowl of lemons then sat back and watched me.

So this year, I needed much more than an ideal three word mantra. In fact, I don’t even recall what those initial three words were. Reflecting back, three different words rose to the surface: Resilience, intuition, and boundaries. 

Fortunately, I am resilient. Regardless of all of this personal upheaval, I still had to run my business and keep things on track. I worked on showing up with the necessary mindset to maintain positive energy. I relied on the structure I’ve put in place in my own business - the systems, processes, and execution habits I have set up for myself.

The Lesson: Let’s face it, life happens. Resilience is the backbone of every successful business owner.

I trusted my intuition

Not only was I hearing the word intuition everywhere, but I have been working with a client who helps women tune into, become more aware of, and rely more on their intuition when making personal and professional decisions. We meet weekly, and I’ve learned so much from her about this. For instance, while I was dealing with all of the other things happening around me, I made a big business decision. I became aware of how I felt internally about this choice, and what was best became crystal clear. Intuition can help you navigate difficult choices when you lean into it.

The Lesson: If something doesn’t feel good, or you feel pulled in a different direction, give yourself time to explore what’s really going on.

Choosing boundaries for the win

Another hot topic around me has been boundaries. Who’s got them? Who keeps them? Who needs them? As a business owner, if you want to successfully run and grow your business, you can’t be without clear boundaries. You may not like what I’m about to say - if you’re struggling with boundaries, it’s because you are not enforcing them. And when you let people break them, including you, you end up feeling resentful and taken advantage of. 

We all have a weakness, and mine is in service to my clients. I want to help them as much as possible so I am sometimes tempted to put my needs behind those of my clients, and my family, and friends.

But this year I had no bandwidth for boundary crossers. I learned to politely but firmly say no. I’ve said not now, but maybe another time. I’ve said that’s not a good fit for me, or for you. And I’ve said that’s just not going to work for me. 

The Lesson: YOU are responsible for respecting and keeping your boundaries in place. If you don’t hold them, the only one to blame is yourself.

When you have structure in place in your business, it makes it easier to be resilient, intuitive, and to respect and honor your boundaries. But you need a clear vision, and a strategic plan to execute the necessary steps that will lead you to success with your goals.

I’d love to tell you more about how we can make that happen. Book a call with me.