#AllThings Untangled …!

And what is a great way to work on our mindset?

Making wholesome connections.

Business life is about more than just technology in this insanely busy social world we live in. It’s about the people! Which is something that is often underestimated.

It’s about the impact we have and create. Mainly thanks to platforms such as LinkedIn. So, instead of constantly analyzing the ever-changing algorithms and the big data that runs alongside them, put yourself in touch with the human part of it all. Make real, authentic connections and turn those connections into the data you’re looking for.

Now let’s talk a second about goal setting.

I’m sure you want to grow, expand on new ideas and make a successful breakthrough. Creating this kind of plan for yourself will only happen because you will make it happen. So, here’s what you need to do first …

1. Be clear about your goals and what you’d like to achieve.
2. Take a stand for what you believe in. And invest in yourself.
3. Make a plan by setting objective, measurable and attainable goals.
4. Decide how you’re going to set clear — and organized — actions.
5. Think positive and condition yourself for success.
6. Give yourself permission to make extraordinary things happen.

Now you’ll be able to move into a more defined level of planning. And turn your bigger picture into a list of goals. 

• What are your top 5 goals for the coming year?
  • Write them down in order of their importance to you.
• What do you need to do to accomplish all of these new goals?
• Do you already have an idea in mind of when you’d like to tackle these?
  • If so, how are you going to make a plan to achieve everything?
• Do you have any new tools, programs, or platforms to help you succeed?

Things can get overwhelming quite quickly without a clear vision of your goals and an organized action plan. So, being reasonable and kind to yourself is crucial. Don’t make yourself crazy and stressed by driving yourself to exhaustion and overwhelmed with unrealistic timelines.

So, naturally, the next step is a big one and my favourite part of this puzzle … “The plan!”

To create the best version of your business, remember that everything depends on where you want to take it and your actions to get there. Procrastination and damaging self-talk are not welcome at this table any longer! This is where a giant release of all of your thoughts, wishes, dreams, goals, and visions can be plunked right into a notebook to keep your thoughts accessible and make some room in your head for the actual planning.

I am utterly addicted to coloured sticky notes! I love the colour, which makes things easily seen as they are right there – in my face! This way, my mind can tackle each project one at a time without lingering thoughts of things I do not want to forget for later. Remember, it’s not about working harder … It’s about working smarter and focusing on the things that will really drive your business. So, write it all down. Prioritize your thoughts and make lists of ways that you could possibly seek help elsewhere.

Personally … I feel one of the most amazing things to come out of the recent pandemic we still find ourselves in is the virtual industry explosion. Particularly the Virtual Assistant side of things. These amazingly talented and diverse entrepreneurs are there to help you in whatever area you need. Their main goal is to make your life better … easier … By taking tasks off of your hands that are simply holding you back from accomplishing what you really want to achieve.

Outsourcing tasks is a great way to open up your time, find ways to organize your focus and move forward toward those goals. Trust me, these talented individuals are a godsend. And there was a time when I wanted to run everything in Virtually Untangled on my own. But then, a few smack talks came my way, and I realized I needed to stop striving for perfection. To stop trying to do all and be all. And finally admit I’d be better off in the long run if I just simply asked for some help.

So, I did just that! And now I have some unique honorary “untanglers” helping my business and those of my tangled clients. And we are all better off because I got off my “high horse” and asked for help.

This then slides us into something more important than some may realize … organization!

This will determine how well you can turn that list of goals and plans into actual, measurable results. So, by managing your time, identifying where your time should be spent, making good working habits to kill that ever-growing to-do list and making that seemingly impossible work/life balance attainable realities. 

Okay. Organization … You’re probably wondering, “Where do I start?” – the answer is simplistically simple. Lists! 

Lists are my jam. I’m a total nerd about them. Just ask my team – and my clients. I’ve made it a habit to make a few different types of lists – both digitally and on paper — which typically consist of daily tasks, weekly to-do’s, a monthly overview, and another for future creative “bucket list” type ideas that I know are genius but admittedly do not have time for them now. But I also do not want to forget about them. Here’s a quick breakdown of how I like to work organization through lists …

For the daily tasks, I write down the top three, four, five or ten things I need to get done on that specific day. I usually create this list the night before or first thing in the morning while my mind is fresh.

If you create your list in the morning, I recommend that you do so BEFORE you check your email or check in on social media. Why? It is conducive to have control right from the get-go and not allow your to-do list to depend on technology, and what others are telling you is crucial. If a client calls “urgency,” you must assess, and address said concerns as they arise. Then you can certainly adjust your list accordingly.

Just remember, you ARE NOT their air … Not everything is urgent … Not everything is an “emergency.” And not everything needs to be completed in a “rushed” manner. Sometimes if your client lets something fall off their plate. This doesn’t mean it needs to land on you in the same way — in a repeated fashion. Once in a while, okay. But if you notice a pattern in this behaviour, it’s time for an “untangling” chat with them.

Also, feel free to put everything on your calendar. Yes, I really mean EVERYTHING! Not only does it keep you organized and on task, but it also reduces stress because you will not be worried about forgetting anything important. You can schedule a couple of five- or ten-minute breaks that you need to take throughout the day to clear your mind. Or for when you are transitioning to other projects and tasks. And then, before I end my working day, I take at least 15 minutes to set my intentions for the next day. Sometimes even the rest of the week. This contributes to a restful, stress-free evening and an organized vibe when I am ready to sit at my desk to start a new day.

So, let’s get back to that schedule and calendar … What my team and I like to call “time blocking.”

The demands of our time are greater now than ever before. Especially for those of us who own a business. With information coming at us in every possible direction — AND at a rate faster than we can digest it — responsibilities tend to get handed to us more quickly than the speed of light. So, as we find as many ways as possible to get each daunting task into our day, there is a way to get more of the things you need to accomplish. And with less distraction. In short, you must simply schedule your “stuff.” And no, more than just meetings and appointments. But all the stuff that matters most to you is your business and those of your clients and customers. And you can do that by scheduling time blocks into your day. This will help you stay organized, focused and feel mighty accomplished! Those goals and actions will fly off your grand ‘ol plan in no time.

So YES … You can actually manage your time to create more time!

This involves reviewing all the projects and tasks you typically take on, then looking to where you can save yourself some time or streamline specific processes. You can then reallocate that well-deserved saved time into areas that will empower you to be even more successful. Like professional development, working on new creative strategies and plans, onboarding new clients, networking and growing your tribe, self-care, or even taking some time to sit with your virtual team and enjoy one another’s company … non-work related. Maybe with a glass of wine!

And perhaps these simple process adjustments will help you see that your time needs to be invested in other places in your business … maybe places you would have never thought of before.

A good example is that you must work more on your brand’s vision, voice, and story.

As entrepreneurs, our brand is our lifeline!!!!

Wherever you are in your career, keep in mind that for a business to excel, your brand should be designed and expressed with these three things in mind: 

1. What your actual offerings can – and will — accomplish;
2. How your offerings can help others. And make the world a better place; and 
3. Who helps?

Your brand is not just the face of you and your business; it’s your business’s story. You know, the one with a human touch and gives people “the feels” …! So, if you refocus your time and get organized, you will be better prepared for when the opportunity knocks. Be the one who always opens the door and welcomes opportunity with open arms. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a rut and looking for an escape route, pondering on forging a new partnership or looking for a second chance at something — or with someone. It’s all about breaking through the barriers! You know … That spark inside us grew us into entrepreneurs in the first place. At one point or another, we all evolved from some door that was opened, perhaps even an unplanned meeting. And that’s all it took to light the fuse already flickering. A simple, unexpected opportunity.

Take advantage of all situations on your path and be alive to all possibilities. Be willing to take risks, overcome fear, and try new things. Entrepreneurs who build real “human touch” companies benefit from these growth opportunities and create jobs. This brings me to my final thought…

Amid this year-end reflection, planning, strategizing, creativity and carrying out organized actions, when do we rest and rejuvenate?

Everyone knows that no one is capable of pouring from an empty bucket into another empty bucket of operation. This is likely how one gets to the point of being — and feeling — all tangled up in the first place. 

So, in some steps, self-care to save the day!

Self-care has been getting plenty of attention lately, and it’s rightly so. Self-care means keeping in check your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

We all get busy, and it can be hard to slow down and take care of ourselves. It should be a daily priority, and we should never feel guilty about time blocking to take care of ourselves. So, list five to ten things you can do to help yourself on the days you need it the most. Which, in reality, should be things you do for yourself every day anyway…

Some examples are taking a break from technology. You don’t always need to be “plugged in.” Get up and move! Have a mini dance party. Do some push-ups. Go for a walk or run around the block. Do something physical to blow off some steam and chair butt!

Science shows us that sitting for too long can be detrimental to our health. So planning a quick 20 minutes daily can do wonders for our mindset and health.

It’s time to recognize when your stress level may be on the rise. And take a breather.

I like watching a TV show for 30 minutes while making and eating my lunch. I call this “tap out” lunchtime. And when the weather is nice, I take a short block walk.

Do whatever it takes to get yourself to take a few deep breaths and chill out. I cannot stress the magic of snuggling with one of my precious pets for a simple 10 minutes mid-day. Or right after I shut down for the night. Sacrificing our well-being will not help make our businesses more successful. In fact, a happy, healthy business owner will attract MORE people with that same positive vibe than anyone who is just running themselves ragged.

So, what can we do to take these dreams and plans and put them into action?

We here at Virtually Untangled care for all the struggles behind running a business. If you’re ready to admit you need help, you can count on us!

We can help you easily organize, build, manage and maintain your business goals. And, finally, clear up the ever-growing to-do list. My team and I want to help make your big picture a reality and help you find a happy work/life balance. We want you to feel as though running a business is the BEST CHOICE you have ever made by making things simpler, easier and more organized for you.

We want you to have that same feeling of enjoyment we have going into our virtual office every day. We’re not pitchy-sales-y type folks, but we just want you to know that WE GOT YOU if you need a helping hand doing the tasks you need to stop feeling like you’re drowning and actually get ahead. To help reclaim that dream, to help you impact the world. And so you remember WHY you bet on yourself and started your business in the first place!

So, feel free to reach out – even if just for a mind-bending “untangling” chat if you find yourself saying YES! YES! YES! to all the above!