This year, I’m planning for things to be very different.
I’m putting a serious focus on both my health and wellbeing. While also, building wealth.
This focus has come about due to a ridiculously busy and stressful time throughout November and December 2021 – that saw me completely burnt out.
I’ve just had three weeks off over Christmas, but I’m still feeling the effects of the subsequent exhaustion and stress.
So, things need to change.
I’m a firm believer that you should build a business that works for you – and that you, as a business owner should come first.
Yet, it’s clearly very difficult to achieve. And very easy to fall into that ‘busy’ trap, where you’re working around the clock and not looking after yourself. Soon enough, you’re surviving on chocolate, coffee and adrenaline – while your health and happiness declines.
Not the way to do things. That is not the recipe for high performance or business success.
I’ve learnt my lesson (once again!) the hard way. My physical health crashed, with low iron and zinc. And my mental health wasn’t great either.
But – no more!
This year, here are the things I’m working towards.
Health
Two-Hour Work Sessions
Last year, I got into some really bad habits, where I got absolutely glued to the computer screen for hours on end.
I didn’t eat properly or drink enough water.
I only got up from the computer if I was absolutely busting to pee.
I continuously snacked on sugar-free chocolate to keep myself going (at least it was sugar-free, right?)
All of this, resulted in:
- A huge increase in anxiety
- Constant panic attacks
- Low energy
- Poor overall health.
This year – I’m breaking my days into two-hour blocks. And aiming to work six hours per day. So, three blocks of two.
In between each work block, I’m taking a break – whether that’s for lunch, a walk, to do something with the horses.
More Horse Time
I’m going to be making more of an effort to schedule in time to ride my horses.
This gives me a great deal of happiness and my horses force me to remain completely in the moment.
They help my brain to empty out and refresh.
And, they keep me fit and active, outside in the fresh air. AWAY from the screen!
After all, that’s why I live rurally! To have my horses, right there, in my backyard, so I can ride whenever I want.
More General Exercise and Movement
I want to strengthen my health as much as possible – which means, I need to be fitter.
So, more walks with the kids and the dog.
And, some strength training, to help my riding strength.
Taking & Monitoring Supplements
As I discovered that I’ve become low in Iron and Zinc (thanks to my GP), I’ll be taking those supplements religiously, and getting my levels checked every few months to make sure they stabilise.
It’s amazing how crappy and tired you feel without the right amount of Iron – and just how much my body suffered without enough Zinc.
I tend to be someone who avoids the doctor unless there’s a serious issue, but this year, it’s preventative and maintenance checks too.
Better Eating Habits
I’m slim with a fast metabolism, so I’m lucky that I tend to look ok regardless. Yet, just because someone looks fit and health – doesn’t mean they are.
This year, I’m making sure I eat real, nutritious foods. Cut wayyyyyyyy back on my chocolate habit(!) and that I eat often enough to sustain me throughout the day.
I always thought I already ate fairly healthily – because I have multiple allergies, I literally cannot eat processed foods – but it still wasn’t quite enough.
So, better eating, here I come!
More Help With Childcare and Domestic Chores
This year, I’ve hired a clearer. She starts in February.
It’s only two hours, once a fortnight, but just having that one thing taken care of, will lessen the load. AND keep our house from turning into a disaster zone – which only adds to the chaos and stress.
We’ve also been lucky enough to score after school care at our local country school. So, the kids will be going 3 days a week. That gives hubby and I, an extra 9 hours a week in our schedule!!! Huge!
And, the kids are so absolutely thrilled to be spending more play time at school with their friends, it’s a total win-win.
So, we get more time for our business and more time for exercise and horses.
Massage
One of my most critical health decisions over the past couple of years – weekly massages – will be continuing this year.
This may sound like a luxury to some, but for my physical and mental health, it’s crucial.
Massage (sports/remedial massage) keeps my long term back and neck pain under control – and also helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
I literally can’t function without it.
More Family Time & Fun
Of course – I have a family, with two awesome kids (6 and 9) and hubby. We’re making a conscious effort to do more cool things as a family.
Whether it’s as simple as walking the dog in the evenings – or the odd weekend down at the beach – we’re making sure we do it. And that we never get too busy, to do it.
Wealth
No More Course Investments
The past few years I’ve spent a fair amount of money on my own personal development and business development.
There have been lots of courses, masterminds, memberships and the like.
It’s been needed, these things have moved me and my business a lot further down the road than if I’d battled along without. And I thoroughly recommend learning as much as you can, from as many great people as you can, particularly in the early days of business.
But – I’m done with the extensive learning. There comes a time when you have to say – right, I know enough now, let’s get DOING.
I’ll still be reading books etc. and developing – but I’m putting my focus on doing now.
It’s time to back myself, my knowledge and forge ahead because ultimately – I know how now.
I’m keeping my essential memberships (copywriting and marketing communities) – and that’s it.
Tighter Financial Control & Planning
I’ll be honest and say, that I love to spend money. And also honest, in that I probably have more expenses than I need to run my business. And, I probably haven’t always tracked or managed by finances as tightly as I should have.
Now, I’m not talking about being frugal or completely stingy.
There is plenty of room here for fun.
But I’m going to be paying more attention to make sure my money is working as hard as it can for me. And that I’m not spending it where I shouldn’t.
At least, for now.
(Later on, when I’m a millionaire, I’ll spend whatever I like!)
More Passive Income Sources
One of the biggest struggles of a service business owner, is that we’re often caught in the trap of trading our own time for money.
As we only have so many hours to work, we have a very firm income ceiling.
And if we choose to take time off, or if a child is sick etc. – we don’t earn for that time.
I’ve always believed in more passive and scalable income sources. Things you can make once and sell several times over. For example, books, courses etc.
I have a couple of books now, but they’re obviously a lower priced offering.
I’d ideally love to start creating some courses – and even a few masterclasses.
There are a few things in the pipeline, so keep an eye out.
Increase Savings Dramatically
This year, there are a couple of larger purchases that hubby and I need to invest in.
The most important and pressing one – is a new four-wheel drive or ute of some sort, that can safely tow the horse float.
Our current tow vehicle has done over 300,000 kms and it just isn’t going to last much longer. It’s no longer overly comfortable (no air con!), and its safety towing is dwindling.
My horse float also needs an upgrade, as we’re planning on traveling with the horses more (to clinics, to trail ride in the bush and eventually, to compete).
These two purchases will cost at least $60,000. And as we don’t tend to believe in debt, we’ll be needing to save the cash.
Therefore, the emphasis right now is on saving enough money for these big purchases – as well as making sure we have a financial buffer.
If the pandemic has taught us anything about business – it’s that you need a solid buffer of savings, because you just never know what’s going to be thrown your way.
Here’s to 2022
I’ve certainly been easing myself as slowly as possible into 2022, but in the coming weeks, my workload is already looking pretty massive.
There are a few commitments which absolutely have to happen over the next month or so, but following those, I’m going to be balancing and spreading out my client workload that little bit more, to give myself some more breathing space.
It’s all about balance really.
Because as much I want to be earning as much as I can and building wealth – I can’t possibly do that, without my health.
So, there you go.
My two focus words for the year…
Health & Wealth.
I’ll do my very best and see how I go.
Of course – this doesn’t necessarily cover my precise business plans for this year. I might share those in a future blog post.
Have you chosen a focus for this year?
I’d love to hear if you have.
And if you have any copywriting work you’d like to book in with me – advance notice is always appreciated.
You can book in a copywriting package here >
