Hey Reader!
Can you believe we're already halfway through 2024?! I swear every year goes by faster than the last π
Now's a great time to reflect upon your goals and the progress you're making towards them! Especially to prepare for the big Q4 π₯³
I used to feel like taking a day to do this was a waste of time. I mean, there are so many other things I could be working on!
However, if I wasn't where I wanted to be, clearly there were some inefficiencies to work out. And how would I know exactly what those were unless I took the time to review and pinpoint where I can improve??
So if you're like 2022 Kayla thinking "I don't have time for this," I'd encourage you to give it a try and then create a plan for yourself for the rest of the year!
If you can solve problems and build systems now to make you more efficient in the long run, you will gain that time back x10!
Not sure where to get started? Here are 3 things that might help!
1) Time & Energy Audit
One easy way to document and reflect on your productivity in realtime is to conduct a time & energy audit!
I actually learned about this exercise from a book I read last year called Buy Back Your Time.
What you'll do is set a timer to go off every 15 (or 30) minutes throughout the day. Every time the timer goes off, quickly jot down everything you did in the last 15 minutes.
At the end of the day, take a few minutes to go through the list of things you did and make note of how valuable the task was and how it affected your energy.
Do this every day for a week or two, or until you realize what needs to be changed to grow your business.
Do you need to eliminate tasks that aren't moving the needle forward? Do you need to outsource the important things that drain your energy? Should you double down on the tasks that are super valuable and light you up??
I have a Time & Energy Audit template that I shared with my group coaching members earlier this year. Message me if you want it! π
2) NICE Goals
SMART goals not working for ya? Give NICE goals a try!
I learned about this strategy from a book I read this year called Feel Good Productivity!
While SMART goals focus more on the outcome, NICE goals put more of an emphasis on the process.
NICE Goals
Near-term
Input-based
Controllable
Energizing
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SMART Goals
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-based
|
For example, I set a fitness goal at the beginning of this year to reach a specific body composition and be healthier.
If I had set this goal in the SMART way, I would've written something like "lose 5% body fat by December 31st."
However, I set this goal in the NICE way, so what I actually wrote down was "exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week and don't snack after 7pm on weekdays." (Shoutout to Chris for planning my workouts and holding me accountable for both of these tasks!)
With NICE goals, I have clear and specific actions that will significantly increase my chances of achieving my goal. They include not only the thing I should do, but also what I should not do.
Focus on the inputs rather than the outputs, and find an accountability buddy if you can! (Reach out to me if you need one βΊοΈ)
If you want to hear more about this goal-setting structure, grab a copy of Feel Good Productivity or give this podcast episode a listen.
3) Me!
If you're struggling to establish goals and create a strategy to achieve them, I can help!
When we work together, I take the time to get to know you, the struggles you're facing, and your blog on a deeper level. It isn't just you investing in me, it's reciprocated completely.
Whether it's a one-off coaching call, an extensive review of your blog, or an ongoing mentorship, I'll meet you wherever you're at in your journey π
I'm all about the details and making sure you're not only able to implement positive changes, but understand why they're important!
Of all the hats I wear, food blog coach is my favorite one! Helping my clients lean into their passions, gain confidence, and grow their business is the most rewarding thing I do!
If you're ready to invest in yourself, or even if you're unsure if now's the right time, reply to this email and we can chat about if it's a good fit!
& don't forget, you deserve follow-through on the promises you make to yourself just as much as others you make promises to!
Happy Q3 - let's get after it! π―
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