Why I go slow this week
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Me, on a winter walk in the fields next to my house, over the Christmas break. Photo by hubby Drew.
Happy New Year, My Friend!
As you get back to work in the New Year, I wanted to share a little secret that took me a long while to figure out.
I stopped booking client meetings in the first week of January.
Why?
I need reentry time!
Reentry Time is a core professional routine and energy management practice in the Happy Little Practice Method.
When I introduce this routine to clients, at first, they might think it's "cute" or "how nice."
It's not until they actually apply this professional routine do they understand the financial, emotional and mental well-being this creates in business.
However, for most of my "in business" years, I never did this.
I believed I needed to jump right back into working with my clients after holiday breaks and do work life like everyone else.
But then I found I had a hard time getting my clients' attention.
Like me, they felt they SHOULD get back to work, but their energy, focus and stamina weren't quite there.
I have finally learned, and now, the first week of the New Year is Reentry Time.
Here's how this works...
This is a block of time that you use to refocus and get your professional bearings.
I do this most every Monday morning after a full weekend of family life.
(NOTE: Reentry Time is not the time to do laundry and household things, it's professional time. Do personal things before and after your work hours.)
This can just take one hour or so on most Mondays and, it feels so pleasurable to slow down, reflect and plan the week.
For me, Reentry Time creates a deep sense of peace in my work life, which makes me feel RICH in all the right ways (without having to earn more).
Important Note: In Happy Little Practice I want to know what makes YOU feel rich, and money is just one metric. This ensures you create real happiness in your work life, vs. more goals to tick off.
Taking this time is good for business by helping you course-correct your actions instead of blindly chasing what you think is important.
But it's also really great for refueling the soul of your business - like making decisions, recommitting, and giving yourself what you need to be your best and deliver your best work.
If you're like me and you're more of an artist than a CEO or business manager, you may need more than one Monday morning to get your head straight.
I now devote the entire first week of when my kids go back to school in January (or after any long school break) to get my professional life sorted, planned and ready to go.
I tidy up my mindset and workplace, engage in deep thinking about my business, and work ON my business (instead of the delivery of my services).
Here are some examples of what I might do:
- Check in on my office environment and see if I want to reorganize and redesign something.
- Check in on current projects: current, in progress and next-in-line and see what needs finishing or hiring out
- Check in on my money and set an annual goal and/or my 30 day Tiny But Mighty goal (TBM)
- Clear out any files and set myself up to receive new business in my filing
- Order office supplies (Office supply fans UNITE!)
- Handle admin details
- Check in on my team of freelancers and experts I hire and ask for help
It's pretty obvious what this does for your business: it makes you look and feel ready to do good work and receive new business!
But what may not be so obvious is this...
When you aren't rushed, hurrying and cramming things into your life, you become VERY CLIENT ATTRACTIVE without having to do more marketing.
In a world where glorifying how busy one is considered normal, when your energy and business is grounded, clear and calm, it's like a beacon of light to weary sailors in rough seas.
(Okay, this nautical analogy is odd, but let's keep going!)
Your routines will determine your results.
Routines may sound boring, dull and unsexy.
But you know what's sexy? How doing less and focusing more can make your career (and life) SING.
This is so important, that I'm including a new training in the Mindset Club this month on Reentry Time.
And hey, you may not need as much Reentry Time as me, or your schedule may not allow for blocking off big chunks of time.
That's okay! Consider starting where you're at and finding a creative way to give yourself a steady dose of time to refocus.
I worked up to taking the first week of January to refocus!
Want help with any of this and getting your marketing and mindset working for you?
While the Happy Little Practice Mindset Club is temporarily closed to new members, you can get on the waitlist here.
In the meantime, if you'd like a 1:1 coach like me by your side to help you make things simple, streamlined and more profitable, I'd be happy to talk with you and see if I can be of help.
Get in touch here.
Here's to peace and plenty in your new year,
Karin
*** More Resources for You ***
Free Q&A Class: Open Q&A on applying the Happy Little Practice Method to your company of one: Jan 26th, 12pm ET. Register here (under classes) if you haven't already.
Replay: Watch the signature Small Practice, Big Results class that explains the Happy Little Practice Method and see if this is for you.
Training: Bring me in to speak with your group: Details here.