The next right thing
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This week has been about getting back to work.
I'd like to offer you a different take on "getting it done" in 2020.
I imagine you may be receiving lots of messaging like...
Act now!
Last chance!
Choose your 2020 word NOW!
Set big goals!
All of this can be nerve-wracking and make you feel you're behind the 8-ball.
Here's the #happylittlepractice way of doing things.
Now, it may be helpful to remember that my client base is mostly 80% moms who work about 25 hours a week.
When they're not working their life is FULL with family life.
Which means, after the holidays of directing the show at home, they need to refocus and recharge their entrepreneurial spirit.
Of course there are a few outliers that make up the 20% of my clients: mostly moms with grown children who are in early retirement, and the occasional single lady who resonates with how we do things over here.
In all cases, my clients don't usually have big swaths of time to think, feel and strategize unless they schedule it and arrange it.
In fact, most of their thinking time happens during their work hours.
Tip 1) Enter "The Sacred Pause"
Here's a routine that I've been doing for a few years that is incredibly grounding, nourishing AND FOCUSING.
I now call this "the sacred pause" (to borrow the language from women's wisdom coach, Lisa Schrader).
When kids are back to school, I block off the first week back at my desk to refuel, recharge and refocus.
After two weeks of holiday fun and plenty of carbo-loading, I need time to think deeply.
So if you crave some of this too, don't hesitate to slow down and gift yourself this time.
Here's some of what I do with this time...
I do daily self-coaching and mine my mindset for things that are causing unnecessary friction in my life.
I think about what went well in 2019: what I learned and the ways I personally and professionally grew as a professional.
I also think about and digest all the little wins in my relationships, motherhood, marriage, how I spent my time, etc.
I look at all the WINS in all areas.
Why? Because my business doesn't grow in a vacuum. It is designed to fund my life, not become my life.
I also think deeply about my disappointments and patterns I got stuck, and what I might like to experience instead. (This part is humbling.)
The processing and reflection pays off with an uncluttered mind and a clear next right thing for my business.
Tip 2) The Next Right Thing
This phrase came from one of my favorite authors, Wayne Muller.
He writes on "A Life of Being, Having and Doing Enough" and "On finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in Our Busy Lives," which fits in nicely with the #happylittle practice business model.
While I have typically chosen a ONE THING goal (just one!) for my year ahead, this year, I was reminded of Mr. Muller's wisdom.
What feels true for me, for right now, is simply identifying "the next right thing."
This mental framework has saved me time and time again in my business.
From when I had to go get a job to pay the bills, while I figured out my next business move...
From when I felt paralyzed by all the uncertainties in my business, and used this phrase to get unstuck and into action...
From when I was earning more than I ever, and yet knew I needed to find a new way of working that didn't require such intensity and excessive striving...
Just focusing on "the next right thing" has created such peace of mind AND prosperity, time and time again. Especially when I felt uncertain.
What's the next right thing for you?
Is it getting help to sort through all your options?
Is it finishing something and seeing it through?
Is it taking a sacred pause to refocus and restructure how you do work, see clients and fund your family life?
Is it making sure your mindset is cared for and supported, so you can actually do the thing you want to do?
Wherever you have landed, your entrepreneurial journey is uniquely YOURS.
I commend you for staying in the game and doing it your way.
If by chance you're ready for a coach and love the #smallisthebig approach, then I'd be happy to talk and see if I can help.
I have systems set up if you're some-what successful and ready to earn much more, but stay small...
I have a way of adding coaching to an already successful business...
And I have a solution just for brand new coaches too.
The best way to see if you are I are a fit is to:
1) make sure you watch my webinar (or read the transcript) that will answer all your basic questions about the #happylittlepractice method and,
2) book a time here to talk with my privately.
May the new year bring an increase of peace and prosperity in your business!
Karin
PS - Come share your thoughts and questions about the sacred pause and what you're doing to give yourself some "re-entry time on Facebook here or on Instagram here. (You can find me on Twitter and Linkedin as well, but just not super active there.)