Planning: Expect the Unexpected
I woke up on January first in prime shape for a great start to the new year. 2021 was the best year ever in my business. I had the fortune of working with so many interesting clients in different industries, to help them start and scale their businesses.
I also launched my Path of Action Accountability Group, which I ran five times in 2021. The results that group members were getting were incredible - accomplishing projects, sticking to important routines crucial to their business success, and generating impactful outcomes from committing to consistent strategies to keep moving forward.
Big Plans
After having almost two weeks off with my college kids home, family time, and down time for reading and cooking, I was well rested and so excited to start work on Monday, January third. My initial plans for 2022 were ready to go, including an awesome strategy planning day with some of my favorite colleagues.
Things couldn’t have been more fabulous.
But a few hours after I hit my desk that Monday, I went from Biz Hero to zero. I got so sick so fast, and found myself in bed for the next week. I could barely text a few people to reschedule meetings and calls. The second week I managed to get through my client meetings but I could not handle much else.
All my beautiful plans sat there in my planner, waiting. And waiting. I know many people can relate to this, especially when you’re someone who rarely gets sick and bounces back fairly quickly when you do. This time was different.
It's Okay To Need To Change Plans
Not being able to do all the things I was used to doing was a big test for me. I had to let go and have faith that I would find my way back. What I learned is that it's okay to need to change plans and dates when you have an organized system. My first Path of Action Accountability Group will start, just a few weeks later than I initially hoped. I will have calls with my clients, just a little later in the month than expected.
Entrepreneurs are constantly telling each other to give themselves grace, until it’s them.We have been living in volatile and unpredictable times lately, and all you can do is control the controllables. And each of my clients gave me what I would give to someone else in this situation - understanding, patience, and grace.
Being Disciplined With Your Plans Creates Freedom
The reason I show my clients how to put systems and processes in place is to have this flexibility when something unexpected happens. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, being disciplined with your plans and priorities creates freedom, not the other way around. So having a plan with realistic goals and actions and prioritized lists makes all the difference when your capacity is limited.
Although I was feeling miserable for a few weeks, I had set myself up for success even with needing to take some sick time I wasn’t planning on. In the short blocks of time that I could get a few top priority tasks done, I knew exactly what those few things were.
The good news is I’m back and ready to pick up where I left off - on the road to growing and scaling my business.
Having a plan - being clear on your goals, planning what actions it will take to get there, and consistently executing them - will set you up for success no matter what obstacles you might encounter. Grab a seat in my next Path of Action Accountability Group to put your plan in place.
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