I’ve always been someone who likes planning, but since starting my own business, I’ve had to take it to the next level. I started some business coaching a few months ago with the awesome Caroline and Jason Zook of Wandering Aimfully. One of the first things they ask is, “Do you have a plan for getting shit done?”
The quarterly financial, schedule and program planning I must do as a small business owner requires a greater level of intentionality than I’ve ever needed before. Even though I have always been a planner. And, now, I kinda wish this had been part of my adulting procedures from the beginning. (There seriously should be a class on this in college!)
Each month, I now block out two full days – one for big-picture planning and the other for catching up on administrative tasks. For two months now, I’ve “retreated” to a study room in a local library for the planning day. It’s amazing what a change of venue does for my focus and productivity!
First, I review my quarterly goals and work plan and make any adjustments based on what happened in the previous month. I then tackle whatever needs planning – upcoming events, new programs or products, or social media, email and blog schedules. I break up this long stretch of work by using the Pomodoro technique (working for 25 minutes, then taking 5 minute breaks). It’s even better when I work alongside a friend who helps me stay accountable and for occasional brainstorming.
The big-picture planning, which I had often set aside in favor of more pressing tasks in my daily life, suddenly comes together in minutes rather than hours. After I leave for the day, I have a clear sense of what I need to do for the coming month.
I am hoping to give you this gift of clarity, focus and purposefulness this Saturday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT during my Big Ol’ Radical Fall Planning Session. You will not only leave with enough time blocked for the work you need to get done through the end of 2022, but also time for the self-care, family and friends, hobbies and other things that truly make your heart sing!
The session is online, and I would encourage you to find a space away from home or the office to participate so you get that change of scenery. Registration is open until 8 a.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 20.
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