Hola
Does the thought of "planning" give you the heebee geebees? When you hear "let's plan it" do you fear the time and the paperwork? I hear you loud and clear.
But what if I told you that Planning is actually the secret sauce to long-term success? and in th
e long run will save you so much time, effort, and money (the trilogy)! As someone who's always got a million things on the go, I've come to realize the power of planning.
It's like having a map when you're lost in the woods - it gives you direction and helps you avoid tripping over a root and faceplanting.
You don't need to overcomplicate it or go crazy you could start with my Top 4 fundamentals
Meal planning (I know what you are thinking, what has my eating got to do with my business - trust me down below I will explain),
Financial planning,
Business coach and
Setting boundaries,
Setting up good practices, and focusing on these activities has helped me not only stay on track but also boost my productivity.
Lets start with - of all things Meal planning!
Trust me, as someone who used to rely on vending machines for sustenance, meal planning has been a game-changer. Not only does it provide nutritional and health benefits, by ensuring that you are eating healthy and nutritious meals throughout the week, but by planning your meals in advance, you are also able to save time and money by avoiding last-minute or even multiple trips to the grocery store, avoiding the tempting visits to fast food restaurants and potentially prevent the hangry meltdowns. Plus, You get to feel like a kitchen ninja when you whip up a delicious and healthy meal from scratch.
Here is a simple example of how it could work -
Currently, you pop into the shops about 4 times a week. One of those trips being the major shop and the other trips are quick trips to pick up the odd item here and there including travel time that could honestly be all up 3-4 hours of your time if not more then add to that the 15-20 minutes of staring at the cupboard, fridge or freezer each night trying to figure out what groceries you have and what you are going to cook for dinner so another 2-3 hours a week. Now we are up to nearly a whole standard workday spent on meal planning.
So now let's flip that - once a week you sit down and plan out all of the meals you need for the week and the groceries you need - the first time you do it, it might take a while but on average this takes no more than an hour maximum, then quick pop into the car and off to shop maybe another 1-2 hours maximum. straight away you get back 4-5 hours into your week, imagine what you could do in your business with all of that extra time. - even more, if you go Click and Collect, Delivery, or even outsource to a meal delivery service.
The above example shows you how one simple "tweak" can save you over half a workday.
Now, onto financial planning.
I know, it sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. I used to think budgeting was just a fancy way of saying "NO fun allowed." But trust me, it's like having a financial fairy godmother or a superhero sidekick who helps you save money and invest in your dreams and financial goals.
So plan it - just like above, put some time aside to review and create your budget, set those financial goals, and schedule your payments.
Here is a tip - set up the automatic deductions, and re-occurring payments, and automate as much as possible.
Not only does this save you time physically, but it also saves you time mentally as you can now let go of worrying about the bills and when to pay them. Set up a regular frequency to review and check in on your finances to make sure you are tracking your expenses and on track for your goals.
Financial planning gives you a sense of control over your finances and allows you to make informed decisions about your money. When you feel in control you have the confidence to reach for the stars, it enables you to confidently invest in YOU, your business, and your lifestyle goals, while still having some moolah to splurge on a fancy coffee now and then.
If you do need a hand with this, reach out to your local financial planning and advisory services.
Next Item - One of my favorites of course - Get a Business Coach
Of course, I am going to tell you to get a Business Coach - I am one after all (see look what I did there.. check out the picture).
But this is not a self-serving post, this is about building your tribe so you have the support to succeed.
The benefits of having a business coach are numerous and too many to list today. But I will rattle off a few to pique your interest.
Us incredible business coaches can provide you with guidance, advice, networking and connections, support, help you to brainstorm, goal setting, skills development, develop strategies, plan and schedule your business, a shoulder to lean on, tips and tricks to stay on track, keep you focussed and throw in a little bit of tough love when we know you need it and keep you accountable along the way as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
It's like having a personal cheerleader who also happens to be a savvy business pro. My coach has helped me stay focused, set realistic goals, given me a pep talk when I'm feeling down, and given me a boost of confidence when imposter syndrome kicks in. Imagine what a business coach could do for you - Pick Me!
and Finally - Setting boundaries
An essential aspect of planning that will contribute to your productivity and success.
By setting boundaries with your time, energy, and resources, You are able to prioritise your goals and focus on the tasks that are most important. This will allow you to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
So I'm the kind of person who can easily get sucked into work and forget that there's a whole world outside my laptop screen. So I set some ground rules for myself, like not checking emails after a certain time or taking scheduled breaks to stretch my legs or change my focus.
Some of my favourites are
Saying "no" when necessary: It is okay to decline requests or projects that go beyond your boundaries.
Clearly define your role and responsibilities: Make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you or what services and support you are prepared to provide in your role and communicate that to your clients.
Set realistic goals and expectations: Be honest about what you can realistically accomplish, and set achievable goals and timelines.
Prioritise self-care: Take breaks, set work-life balance boundaries, and prioritise your own well-being.
Seek support when necessary: If you are struggling to set or enforce boundaries, seek support from a trusted colleague, mentor, or mental health professional.
And the real magic to all of these is to Be consistent: Once you have set boundaries, it is important to consistently enforce them.
Truly setting boundaries and maintaining them is key to avoiding burnout, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Trust me, burnout is not a good look. Setting boundaries with your time and energy, enables you to focus on what matters most and avoid working yourself into a frazzled mess.
So, my fellow busy bees, don't underestimate the power of planning, take it from me - planning is not just for Type-A personalities. It's a tool that can help you work smarter, not harder. It might not be as thrilling as bungee jumping or winning the lottery, but it can help you slay those goals and avoid faceplanting in the woods. So grab your planner, make some lists, and get ready to slay those goals!
Call me if you want to explore how I can help you