How has your summer been?
I can't believe it is the first working day of September. It also means that we are tantalisingly close to the three words that may strike cheer or fear in your heart:
Back. To. School
If you have children of a certain age then, to be fair, the high street marketing machine has been dangling this phrase in front of you since June. But kids or no kids, Back to School can still generate different emotional responses based on how "the summer you had" compares to the "summer you had planned".
So, what kind of summer did you have?
Summer v1.0 - You fully intended to step away from building your business and built sandcastles instead. Days out with loved ones... making the most of the (sporadic) weather and living in the moment... Work can wait until September.
Summer v2.0 - You found the perfect balance between business and pleasure. Work was done and you're in a good place for the autumn ahead but, just as importantly, you made time for ice creams (or cocktails) and paddling pools (or hot tubs).
Summer v3.0 - FFS - you just wanted to get sh*t done but there was always something else to pull you "off plan". You can't wait for the house to be empty again, but that makes you feel guilty... PLUS now you're feeling overwhelmed about everything you still need to get done to put your business back on track.
If any of the above resonate then the most important takeaway I can offer in this blog is...AND THAT'S OKAY! (Especially if you are leaning more towards v3.0)
None of the three scenarios are better or worse than each other and they will each still contain some little (and big) wins. In fact when contemplating the question "What kind of summer did you have?"- name three wins. Thinking about 'what went well' can significantly change your confidence as you look ahead to September.
The real "cheer or fear" comes from what you do next
Decide where do you want your business to be by December (and why)
Identify the first thing on your to-do list that will help make this goal happen
If something is holding you back from doing that 'first thing', challenge it. Is this 'hesitation' true, is it helpful, does it make sense?
If someone could remove that hesitation for you, when would you complete this 'first thing' by?
Do it anyway!
Much like the start of term, today is a new day and its magic is yet to reveal itself to you.
You've got this - deep breath... then bring it on!
P.S. If you'd like a helping hand with those choices, there are just three FREE spaces left for the next "Three Secrets to Being Brave & Brilliant in your Business" online workshop, taking place Monday 9th September - 8pm (UK) - be quick!
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