I don't know about you, but this year has been a huge one for me. I don't think I'm the only one. It seems like the combination of a lot of catch up going on now that we are past lockdowns and restrictions, and a LOT of bugs going around! All of that has coincided for me with the first year I have had full time or almost full time capacity to deliver, and that has meant a chance to achieve a whole lot. I have developed or launched four new 'products' this year since March. I don't think I realised quite what a big undertaking that was until I was knee-deep! All so exciting though, and after what feels like a much-needed and well-earned month off over Christmas, I cannot wait to get stuck in next year... more on that below.
My strategy for 2023
My themes for next year are consolidation and balance. When I stepped back and considered my goals not just in business, but also personal goals, I knew that the combination of these two themes were going to be key to me ending 2023 in a strong place. Consolidation Developing new courses and testing out new skills is hard yakka. I know I don't want to do another year of pushing so hard, so I need to invest instead in refining what I've already got. Making it sharper, more efficient, easier to deliver. That's why I'm committing to:
No more new offerings (for now)!
Not committing to delivery dates before a product is ready to deliver. Building the plane as you fly it is pretty standard for new businesses but if consolidation and balance are important to me in this phase, then now is not the time, right?
Investing in admin support to help me set up systems and use my own time more wisely.
Getting into a better rhythm of creating regular time to continually craft my content to be better and better.
Balance
As so easily happens, a lack of balance has crept up on me over the year, leaving me feeling pretty depleted. But I teach this stuff right?! When I do, I am always sure to make it clear that it's an ongoing challenge for me as well.
I've been so strapped for time over the past 5 months or so, that I feel like I have been rushing from one deadline to the next. The occasional period of throwing everything into work is ok with me, it's part of the rush of pursuing big challenges and meaningful work, but it has just been back to back. Also, my husband has been doing the lions share of our littlest's non-creche days so I've been able to work 5 days, but I miss hanging out with her! Only 18 months until she goes to school so next year I'm reducing down to 4 days and having a day with her again. That change alone is not going to be enough though. For it to work, I need to consciously temper my business ambitions, stay focused on what is important to me in all spheres of life, be patient, and be prepared to say no and let some opportunities pass me by. I need balance in both actions and mindset. In short, I need to practice what I preach a wee bit more consistently. How consolidation and balance go hand in hand One of the greatest challenges of strategy is finding that sweet spot. The approach or combination of approaches that is going to nail whatever it is you are trying to achieve. It has to take into account your values, your purpose, and all the important, unavoidable (even if inconvenient) details of the context you are operating in. What I'm writing here is a perfect case study of just that. The reason I think consolidation and balance are my best bet for 2023 is that without balance I can't achieve both my business and personal goals, and without consolidation I can't achieve balance. These two words, written as a reminder on my whiteboard already, are going to keep me focused on what to say yes to, and what to say no to. Bring on 2023 I say!
One space left...
Strategic Thinker Development Programme. Just a quick note to say I have one space left on the April intake of the Strategic Thinker Development Programme. If you've been thinking of trying this programme out for you or your organisation, get in quick before it goes. I don't have any plans for another public intake for some time but am always happy to start a new waiting list. The next intake available in-house is May and I am planning just three more intakes in the second half of the year. Strategic Thinking Masterclass. I'm not setting dates for the next one of these right now until I have a more detailed view of my year but always happy to take expressions of interest.
Last but not least, please have a safe, relaxing, restorative Christmas so that you can be ready to bring your best game in 2023.
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