Planning is a key factor in achieving goals. Setting clear objectives and developing a roadmap increases your chances of success.

Obstacles on the road to your goals are inevitable; it’s a fact of life. There’ll always be unexpected events that will test and try to derail you.

I’ve been experiencing exactly that for the last 10 months living an existence that has meant moving from one rental to another as my flood-damaged home is being repaired. What was supposed to be a 4-week job kept blowing out; I could write a book on “Everything no one tells you about your insurance claim”.

Into this mix, the cherry on top was a life-in-the-balance touch-and-go situation with my baby bro after surgery complications and the ongoing struggles of my son with his mental health. It has definitely been a bumpy road.

Having owned my own businesses for more than 20+ years, I know whenever I get wobbly, distracted or sucked down a rabbit hole, I am not doing myself or my business any favours. 

Moving forward and staying focused on my path is essential to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. I am the primary income earner.

Tactics I use to stay sane

• Prioritising tasks – decide what is essential and what can wait. There is a big difference between what needs to be done and what we want to do.
• Establishing timelines – putting dates and deadlines beside tasks provides a strong reminder to stay on track. I also break the tasks into baby steps, so it’s not a marathon effort.
• Remaining flexible and adaptable – life is ever-changing, and the only constant is change; I achieve more by focusing on what I can control rather than worrying about what it outside my control.
• Celebrating small accomplishments along the way – the little celebrations keep motivation high.
• Me Time – top priority! I schedule appointments with myself on the calendar. For me, that means time to paddle several days a week. I find being on the water restorative on numerous levels.

This blog has been sadly neglected since August, when the work on the house commenced, and we moved out. Although I knew I should keep posting, it was not essential. Therefore, it did not need to be done.

The priority was serving my existing clients, keeping my name out there to ensure I stayed front of mind, and maintaining my networks.

What have I managed to achieve?

Looking through my notes, accounts and client lists reveals I’ve managed to:

• Support several new clients with bringing their writing goals to life. Check out this little video clip; my first time working with a visually impaired client under the NDIS. I learnt as much from her as she did from me. Win/win!
• Refreshed a couple of my online courses, maintained my membership program, ran several strategic planning workshops, and trialled running a 12-week Accountability Program.
• Established Dragon Boat Pumicestone (a personal passion project).
  

Where to from here?

I am back in my house, work is not yet complete, but it’s livable. On the plus side, I have an onsite washing machine (no more trips to a local laundrette), working indoor plumbing (goodbye and good riddance to the portaloo!), internet, and my (slightly chaotic) office back…I’m spending the next couple of weeks reviewing my Strategic Plan, all set to hit the ground running for the new financial year on 1 July.

Fly like a dragon!
Michelle