The end of the year usually means less time at work and more time with friends and family. But when you’re running your own business, too much time off can feel like time wasted.
To help you feel one step ahead in the New Year, here are 7 tips to get through the silly season and be better than before.
1. Build healthy habits
If you’ve had a big year business-wise, you might not realise the toll it’s taken. Long hours, stress, and never being off your feet all add up. So now’s the time to add new, healthy habits so you can get through 2019 a bit easier. Cutting back on the sugar, a morning meditation or just taking the time for a stroll around the block can make a big difference to your body and mind.
2. Tackle things you’ve been putting off
Anyone can procrastinate, especially if it’s something you think you can’t make time for. But for businesses that wind down at the end of the year, use the extra time to tick those things off your list. So if you’ve been delaying going through the receipts, updating your business insurance , organising the toolbox or cleaning out the fridges, now’s the time.
3. Catch up with people
When you’re flat out running your business, it’s easy to lose touch with friends or family. Holidays are a great time to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while and reach out to your network. Everyone appreciates a call, and the contacts you reconnect with now could come in handy next year (especially if you’re looking for someone to relax with after a hard day).
4. Learn a new skill
Besides learning Italian or asking your kids to show you how to play Fortnite, there are things you could be learning to boost your business’ 2019 outlook. Learning how to market your business on social media, doing your own books, building a website, breaking down market research - these are skills that could make your business more money next year (and you won’t have to pay anyone to do them for you).
5. Set your goals
New Years’ resolutions have usually flamed out by February, the gyms are empty and the diets are on hold. But taking time to decide what you want to achieve next year can be powerful and productive. Put pen to paper and make your goals ‘SMART’ - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Then next year you can check back and see how you’re tracking.
6. Give back
It’s the time for giving, so round up your staff or grab some family members and volunteer your time for a good cause. Wrap presents for the less fortunate, prepare meals with OzHarvest, clean up your local bushland or beach, help look after the cats and dogs at the pound – there are lots of options, they’re great team-building time, and you get to feel good about yourself too.
7. Do absolutely nothing
When it comes down to it, your business isn’t everything in your life, and you need to enjoy your time off while you can. There’s nothing wrong with a big sleep in, playing with the kids, taking in a movie, or sitting by the water with a glass of wine. Sometimes doing nothing is the best thing you can do, but make sure you come back ready for what 2019 has to throw at you.
Disclaimer:
This is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent advice before making any financial or commercial decisions.
