Have you decided that 2022 is going to be a game changer year for your business?
Most business owners start the new year off with a list of practical goals and objectives that they aim to achieve each quarter and by the end of the year. This usually looks like a series of spreadsheets and reporting structures that they will use to monitor their progress. And don't get me wrong these are incredibly valuable and necessary tools to keep your business on track, but what if there are other changes we could be making as individuals that also improve the way our business functions.
Now this might not be for everyone, but in learning how to manage a business I found that my personal life plays a large role in how my business performs, or rather how I perform as the leader and in turn how the business is affected.
These are some of the personal changes I'm considering for 2022 that will affect my business.
1. Consider your body
As a business owner, you are the leading force and source of energy for your business. You set the standard and lead by example, so if you are drained and tired all the time it stands to reason that your leadership abilities are left at a disadvantage.
A typical new year's resolution is "I'm going to exercise more and stop eating junk food", I prefer the phrase, " I am going to nourish my body so I can function to the best of my ability".
Exercising and eating nutritious foods not only improves your physical health and energy levels but also has a positive impact on your mental health, setting you and your body up to the highest standard to lead your business.
2. It's a balancing act
Louder for the millennials in the back!
It is so common these days for business owners and employees to be on(line) 24/7. It's almost become a trend for business owners to 'boast' about how they quit their 9 to 5 job and now they work 24/7. This is not an achievement, this is burnout waiting to happen.
Balancing your life is important if you want to ensure that you are going to be able to perform consistently and for months on end. This is as important to your personal life as it is to your business, ensuring that you reserve mental and physical energy for the things that are important to you as an individual while maintaining realistic and regular performance in your business.
3. Your approach to negativity
Negativity and negative emotions are a part of life, it's unavoidable even though many of us try our hardest to push it away.
But, perhaps we could relearn how to approach negativity when it does arrive, either in the form of sadness, anger, loss or in other ways. Often negative emotions are a way of prompting us towards change or pivoting away from something that might not be suited to our lives. There is usually a lesson or greater understanding that comes from negative experiences which in turn makes them valuable.
If we are able to begin with understanding negativity in our personal lives then it becomes more natural to calmly and patiently process negative experiences that may occur when running a business (of which there will be many). Having the ability to process negativity in a healthier and more productive way translates into the way you effectively run your business in the times where it could count the most.
4. Become a planner
This doesn't come naturally to everyone, but that doesn't mean you have an excuse not to instil this trait by yourself.
Starting off with your personal life and planning the things you enjoy the most such as days out, date nights or time with friends and family. Setting aside time for yourself and time spent with others is a great way to begin learning to manage time and plan in advance. You'll find you have a clearer understanding of your time and how much is available to you.
From there it becomes more natural and almost necessary to have the same approach to planning within your business, whether it be long term or for the week.
To round off...
These are just a few of the steps I am planning on taking during 2022 to improve my personal life and in doing so, hopefully develop some new skills and perspectives that not only allow me to thrive in my business but create opportunities for my business to grow!
If you like any of these ideas let me know by liking or sharing this post and if you have any suggestions or changes you plan on making, I would LOVE to hear about them in the comments below!