10 Ways To Jump Start Your 2018

2018 is practically here and I know we just need to get through the holidays, but I wanted to provide some tips for you to start thinking about so we can all hit the ground running in the new year!

1) Reset your mindset.

90% of your success is based on the type of mindset you have. The most successful people master the 3 G Mindset: Growth, Gratitude, and Generosity. Will power can only get you so far, but mindset encompasses both your thoughts (conscious mind) and your beliefs (subconscious mind). Your mindset will lead you into action.

2) Clear out the clutter.

Clearing out the clutter includes both the physical clutter and emotional clutter.

The physical clutter is more straightforward and includes things like a messy office, undone laundry, or old dishes you don’t use anymore. The emotional clutter, however, is the more challenging of the two. For example, if there is something that is bothering you (like past resentment, disappointment, upset or even future worry or concern) you will want to acknowledge those feelings. And just as with organizing your physical space, you either “let it go” or acknowledge the feelings and find a home for them. (see my free downloadable checklist for more ideas)

This clutter does not serve you and cannot allow for new opportunities or new things to enter your physical or emotional space and bring you joy and fulfillment.

3) Prepare your body.

Your body is your temple. It is essential that you take care of it, if you are to succeed in business and in life. Whether it’s figuring out how to get more sleep or better, quality sleep. Or deciding what will your exercise regime be (hiking, walking, biking, etc.) it is important to do what you enjoy doing, not what someone else says you should do.

Along with exercise, you should determine what types of food you are going to eat. And if cooking isn’t your thing, there are a variety of home delivery options nowadays (e.g., Eat Fresh, Sun Basket, Blue Apron).

If you’d rather cook your own recipes, but hate grocery shopping consider having groceries delivered since Safeway, Wholefoods, and Google all provide grocery deliver service. Even Task Rabbit, if you’re in a bind can do the grocery shopping for you.

4) Revisit your vision.

At the beginning of the year, I advocate that every person write out their vision and create a Vision board for themselves. Yes, every year!

Look at the Vision board and choose at least one thing you celebrate. Take pride in what you’ve accomplished and what is yet to come.

There will also be things on your Vision board that maybe you want to continuing working on in the following year…and that’s okay..

I remember something I put on my board 2 years ago and recently came to fruition. So you never want to give up on your dreams.

5) Remember your mission.

What is your Bigger Purpose driving what you do? We are all on this earth to serve and give our gifts to those around us. If you haven’t written down a Business or Personal Mission. You should do so, NOW. This will be a fundamental tool to guide you for the New Year..

6) Partner with a Social Cause/Community Service organization

Tis the season to be giving and with so many recent natural calamities and unexpected tragic situation, there is certainly many groups and organization that will welcome your time and support.

Giving back also helps you acknowledge, we are all part of a bigger picture or plan and how can you contribute to that larger purpose.

7) Organize your Finances

For many, this is not necessarily the most fun part of running a business or of life in general, but it's one of the most important things to do. Especially this time of year, right before tax season begins. So, start determining what you've spent throughout the year and organizing it in such a way that will be clear for you and or someone you have helping you. 

Also, start planning what kind of budget you want to put in place for next year.

8) Hone in on your Strengths.

We all have our Top 3 - 5 Strengths when you think about what comes easy for us. And of course, there are areas that are not so easy. This is a good time to figure out ways to better leverage your strengths and determine areas where you may need a little more help. Consider delegating the areas that you are not as good at to someone else. Whether it’s marketing, social media, or even business planning and employee relations.

9) Leverage Technology.

There are so many ways to work "smarter" and not harder, thus Technology is and needs to be part of our lives to make things easier. For example, Mile IQ for travel expenses, Quickbooks for better accounting practices, Cam Card for business cards, Trello for business strategy or Slack for communication tools. Explore various apps in the Apple Store or Google Play that can best help you become more efficient in your day to day.

10) Have Fun!

At the end of the day, our lives, careers, and businesses are forever evolving, taking shape, and hopefully growing and developing into what we've always wanted. It can be easy to get caught up in the "what ifs" and the "have nots", but that shouldn't matter, it's all really about the process and the journey we are on. So, why not enjoy it and have fun with it along the way...

Please make sure to check out my free downloadable checklist as my gift to you this holiday season and if there's any area you are stuck or would love to explore further, please do not hesitate to reach out - I'd love to hear more about what's coming up for you.