When I bought my home a year ago, I had to decide what to keep and what to toss. I was tempted to follow the maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out,” but in fact sometimes taking something along will actually save time and space in the future.
Moving to a New Year also encourages the question, “What do we take along? What do we leave behind? And what do we look for, if we don’t have it already?”
My recommendations may seem counter-intuitive, because I’m all about working with busy, successful entrepreneurs. What I’ve found is that each of these tips actually expands your time because you become more energized, more alive and just more of who you are.
A passion *outside* the workplace.
I don’t know about you, but I make better decisions, think more clearly and get more creative when my week includes escape routes. I’m an especially big fan of things that require doing instead of watching. Since I work with words, I like to experiment with activities that call for other kinds of creativity, even though I have no talent. Currently I’m working in pottery and improv. These classes help me become a more productive business owner, even though I can’t trace a direct cause and effect.
Dogs count! When you have to take that dog for a walk, no matter what, your brain shifts into a new gear, often with surprising results.
Your tribe.
When one of the marketers I admire talked about her “tribe” at a local organization, I didn’t get it. “They’re like my family!” she would say.
But now I’ve got a couple of tribes in Philadelphia and I understand. When you’re working as a solo-preneur, your life can get lonely. Your clients and your coach appreciate what you do, but where’s the community?
In Philadelphia I now work mostly in IndyHall, a coworking space, something i never thought I’d like. It’s a place where I’m recognized and it’s impossible to have a bad day for more than about 5 minutes. I’ve also become involved with a community through the improv workshops.
Of course your tribe might be a family, a club like Rotary or Kiwanis, or a neighborhood. What’s important is that you’re respected as a person. You’re more than what you do.
Supporters who believe in you and your business.
You don’t need cheerleaders who will say, “You’re wonderful,” even when they see you driving yourself into a wall. And you don’t need naysayers who try to be supportive by saying, “Maybe you should just get a job.”
We all need supporters who will say encouraging words when the going gets rough – but who won’t hold back on honest just to be nice. The key is that they honestly believe you can accomplish your goals. Research shows, over and over, the power of the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy. If your friends – and sometimes your coach – secretly thinks you’re a loser, don’t be surprised if you keep hitting walls. If your family members discourage you, consider working with a family therapist. I know people who reinvented their families but that’s a very personal decision.
Happy New Year!
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Please leave a comment about your own experiences with moving to the New Year.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks to commenters – Connie, I had you in mind when I thought of tribes! Great food for thought, Bob and yes, Donna, dogs are wonderful.
Fabulous post – and I totally agree with each point and especially the ‘passion outside the workplace’ – dogs are wonderful and volunteering to help others takes my mind on a mental vacation away from work and I come back refreshed. Great reminder.
Happy New Year’s, Cathy!!
Excellent post, Cathy! I love how you’ve given us an overview and then broken it down into bite-size chunks. You’re so right about us needing a passion outside of work. We often hear of people retiring and not having anything to do because that was their whole life.
I have a couple of different tribes that bring me great joy. Also, I recently changed to a new marketing group and mastermind because I needed one where they truly supported me and my ideas.
Connie Ragen Green
Great post, Cathy. As we rush into the new year, many people are focused on their weaknesses, but a better strategy would be to bring your strengths to bear and to maximize your results. As for me, I am leaving behind my fears, doubts, and worries, and choosing to leap into the new year with faith and confidence. Here’s to a great year!