If you follow my blog you may have noticed that I haven’t posted a new story since the end of July…. Why you may ask? Well to be honest it’s because I opted to take the month of August off.
As a business owner I’m responsible for my workload and how I manage my time so I decided why not take a break, after all August is my birthday month, it would be rude not to right?! It’s a weird one, as many business owners fret and worry about taking time off thinking everything will collapse. It won’t, but we will if we don’t look after ourselves. I’m so happy I did take the break, and it’s crucial that we do this for our sanity and health.
Prior to my break I had been busy juggling a number of projects as well as working on my voluntary projects and I can admit that it can feel overwhelming at times. I’m one of those people that tend to keep going, but during my summer break I made a point of reflecting. It’s so important to stop, take a breather and reflect. We are always focused on what’s missing and where we want to be, that we don’t always enjoy the here and now or take a moment to acknowledge our wins. As it was my birthday I was already in reflective mode, but had to switch channels, I was going down the what is missing from my life list and then turned it on its head to what have I achieved and what am I grateful for.
I actually had to give myself a pat on the back for achieving many of the goals I had set for myself this year. This includes writing and self-publishing my book ‘How to become a consultant: a guide to free yourself from the 9-5’ and building upon this by creating and offering escape the 9-5 consulting/coaching services for those wanting to leave their jobs and follow their dreams. Publishing my affordable online course ‘DIY PR – How to get media coverage for your business’ aimed at SMEs and entrepreneurs on a tight budget but not tight on quality.
Another goal I’m proudly smashing this year so far is doing more speaking engagements on my passion project, which is escaping the 9-5 and finding your happiness. As someone who has worked in the corporate world and now doing my own thing, I’m so much more happier and I’m super keen to share my insights with those who felt trapped and caged like I did. The public speaking engagements allows me to push through my comfort zone barriers which I’ve been doing and enjoying.
It’s vital to challenge ourselves, we can be our own worse enemy and harbour some self- limiting beliefs. For example, if you had said to me a couple of years ago that I’d enjoy public speaking, or that I’d be doing it willingly – not because it’s my job and I had to – I’d probably look at you like you were two cans short of a six pack. But when you are truly passionate about something, you may just surprise yourself at the lengths you will go to and new paths you’ll embrace.
So, with that said, how are you challenging yourself? And are you on course to reaching the goals you have set yourself? Don’t beat yourself up if you’re behind on your goals, enjoy the process and keeping pushing. We’re now in September you’ve still got time to achieve those goals you set by the end of the year.
