I’ve always been a bit of a goal-hustler…
Aiming bigger, carving my own path, and revealing some pretty lofty ambitions.
...But there’s something special about the end of the year.
Because in the midst of all the new projections, launch plans, to-be released-products, and new lineup of stretch goals…
There’s that window of time to stop and reflect on what you’ve accomplished.
And that’s exactly where I find myself right now…
…Blessed to be where I’m at – consistently hitting my 5-digit monthly income goals, working with beyond-amazing female entrepreneurs, and helping women hit and exceed their own personal (and profitable!) launches.
But this years’ fun success came with a whole lotta learnings.
And as I reflect back on 2019 – I invite you to swipe up my aha-moments so you don’t waste your time, your serenity, and your sanity on them. I’ve already done that for you 🙂
Let’s jump in!
- You’ll Respect Yourself More When You Say NO>>
Holy crap how did it take me 30 years to learn this one? It has always been second-nature to say “yes”. Whatever anybody wanted, I’d be committed to make it work.
But it was exhausting. I would feel stressed trying to make deadlines, anxious trying to be in the right spot at the right time, and in a state of people-pleasing through every corner of my world.
All for what…? To make others smile? To be seen in a good light?
Well it turns out – life still goes on when you say NO.
And you know what happened each time those two simple letters came out of my mouth?
For one – It gave me more space to serve YOU better, the beauty’s I’m invested in. It kept me better aligned with my goals and much less susceptible to detours.
But the number 1 result?
>>> I’m. So. Much. Happier.
I’m calmer, less stressed, more confident, and more masterful of my time.
And TIME is our most valuable commodity.
You can always, always, always find ways to make more money. You can invest it. Grow it. Keep it. Wish on it.
But, time? Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
My friend, it’s about time you start saying more ‘no’s’, too.
That means…
… No to last-minute projects.
… No to prospects who don’t align with your industry, niche, or business lifecycle.
… No to being everything to everyone.
- Invest in Help
You don’t need to be making a cushy income to invest in help! All you need to do is hire a VA for a few hours here and there to help bring your stress levels down. I’m not a techy gal, so investing in a Tech VA has taken me from late-night freakouts of accidentally emailing my entire list to calmly grinning at my pretty new automations.
My biggest insight for you is to not WAIT to realize you needed help yesterday. Instead, take your time in hiring a Virtual Assistant and gradually begin to hand off smaller tasks that lead to bigger projects, while you have the time to explain them.
- Burnout Doesn’t Mean You’re Soft>>
Up until now, I kinda thought that was the case. Seriously, how ignorant of me. In all honesty, I heard people speak lots of it, but never gave it much attention. Because coming from a long line of workaholics, it seemed normal to be up late working, and then back at it first thing in the morning. But I loved to do it, after all – copywriting is my dream job…
The truth is – with all the perks that my business brings me – working from home, setting my own schedule, taking long weekends at my own will – I need to simply take more advantage of it.
My challenge to you (and myself, obviously) is to not sluff off on self-care.
Perhaps that looks like:
– Treating yourself to a dinner subscription box (Hello Fresh is my jam!)
– Nighttime walks instead of nighttime Netflix
– 8 hours sleep Every.Single.Night.
– Investing in a VA (see #2)
- Stop Giving A Discount Damnit
This one is hard to write… It often just came second-nature to me (without anyone even asking for one!)
As a Target shopper – I love finding me a good bargain.
But as a creative? It becomes a little devaluing to continually hand out discounts. And even though I’m HIGHLY committed to treating my clients with a Grade A++ customer experience – the continual discounts are now a thing of 2019.
Because ultimately – when I discount my prices, I discount my worth.
Now don’t get my wrong – I’m always flexible with my clients. And I loveee giving away free stuff like this bad boy, but when I’m working for half of what I believe it’s worth – I’m not in the right state of mind to dish out 110% execution like I plan to do.
Jenna Kutcher of Goal Diggers Podcast says it best,
“Discounts aren’t a bad thing, but as an entrepreneur, they can really affect the way you feel about your worth, your work, and how your clients value what you have to offer. Don’t price yourself emotionally, price yourself based on your income goals, your skill level, and the amount of time you want to spend working…
In getting paid my rates, it allows me to bless others in big ways from donating my services, time, money to hiring other dreamers and paying them to do what they love. When you say “yes” to the right jobs, you can say “yes” to the bigger dreams on your heart. Your time, your skill, and YOU are worth it….
I knew that I was worth every single penny and when I found the clients who could afford to pay me for my services, I would go to the ends of the earth to give them the best experience ever.”
There ya have it! My four biggest lessons of the year. I hope there are pieces that can serve you, as you continue to grow your influence, your income, and your impact well into 2020.
Which lessons resonate with YOU the most??