Reflection Before Resolutions 2017

January 1, 2018

Last year I started with a new tradition of reflecting on the year before making my New Year’s Resolutions. My goal setting used to consist of moving ahead with doing more, more, and more without taking the time to review accomplishments and analyze what’s working and what’s not.

2016 ended in a ball of chaos for me. Good chaos. The kind of chaos that’s part of growing a business, which also came with severe burn out. I vowed to not let that happen again this year. Although the plans I wanted to implement didn’t go perfectly, the end of 2017 is definitely an improvement in my mental and business state.

I continue to struggle with being reactive in my business instead of more proactive.

This past year I tried to schedule my days and dedicate specific time slots for projects, however, if an “emergency” client request came up, I allowed these interruptions to hijack my day. On many days chaos became part of my routine.

I’m saying “no” to this way of existing in the world and taking back control of my business. Before I can do that I’m answering these 5 compelling questions to reflect on that will set me up for success in the New Year.

1. What are you most proud of this year?

   I don’t even know where to begin with this one, and that’s a good thing! 2017 was full of many adventures, new clients, and exciting projects. Professionally, I’m most proud of placing in the top 99 for the Gander Outdoors logo design contest and getting retweeted by Marcus Lemonis himself! You can check out my winning design here.

   Personally, I’m most proud of setting better boundaries between work and life. This was really, really hard for me. I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting better about taking weekends off and trying not to work too late.

2. What’s your biggest mistake or what are you least proud of this year?
   

   Last year I vowed to get better with my time management and set more realistic daily goals. I hate letting clients down, but I have to realize that sometimes the requested deadlines are impossible. Once again I’m going to make a better effort of setting realistic timelines for not only my clients but for myself.

   I’m intrigued by time blocking, a term I’ve seen used over and over by productivity experts.

   Time blocking consists of setting aside specific times where you work on a single task. Currently, I’m all over the place with email and phone calls constantly interrupting my focus. My less reactive and more proactive self is going to find a way to implement a time blocking system that works for me.

3. What process or processes aren’t working for your business or what would you like to improve?

   I’ve made quite a bit of progress in streamlining my intake, booking, contract, and quoting systems this year. I would like to further streamline these details, so they take less time away from what I enjoy most, designing.

   My design process is detailed and extensive, and I devote my time to really learning about my client and my client’s customers.

   This year I feel like I’ve really been able to fine tune my client experience, but I want to attract more customers that are on the same page as I am. This may mean saying something I absolutely hate saying to potential clients but is necessary. The word “no” is going to become part of my vocabulary if a client or client situation isn’t working for me.

4. What’s your number one goal for the new year?

   I’m going to be an overachiever on this question and choose more than one goal.

   Last year I wanted to make more time for personal projects, and although I was able to work on a few, it wasn’t as many as I had hoped to complete. Creating just for the sake of creating is something that’s still missing from my life, so I’m going to have to resort to scheduling artistic playtime. I’m ok with that. Putting something on my calendar gives me permission to have some fun.

   I’m also going to allow myself more grace.

   I never realized just how much pressure I put on myself until several times this year my husband would tell me “honey, you’re too hard on yourself.” I have several health issues I’ve been dealing with over the years, and sometimes I just can’t keep promises I’ve made to myself and my clients. For 2018, I’m going to give myself a break and stop beating myself up when mistakes are made and, instead, do a better job of setting myself up for success.

   I want to make more time to read.

   I made some progress on my reading goal this year by writing a blog post of book reviews. This was a huge motivator for me, and I will continue to attempt quarterly book review blog posts to reach my reading goals. Check out Summer of 2017 book reviews if you’re looking for some good reads!

   Last but not least, I want to make more of an effort to get out of the house and spend time with my husband in our city of Chattanooga.

   We absolutely love living here and are within walking distance of so many great restaurants and events. Towards the end of Summer and most of the Fall, we made a point to go out at least once a week for dinner and try new places. I want to continue being adventurous in our hometown.

   Being well rounded and keeping balance in my life will only help make me a better designer and continue to provide my clients with the best possible branding and web design services.

5. How will you bring more value to your clients?

   I’m so lucky, I really, really am. I get to spend every day working with passionate small business owners and visually bringing brands to life. Marketing and selling goods and services are ever-evolving, and the best thing I can do for my clients is to keep learning, and staying passionate about design. What may have worked 3 years ago is no longer relevant, and it’s my job to stay on top of not only trends, but lasting and effective design.

   Here’s a summary of my 2018 plans:

   1. Continue to streamline basic processes such as quotes, contracts, and questionnaires. I want my intake process to be simple for not only myself but my clients.
   2. Continue to keep learning and improving myself not only professionally but personally. Being a well-balanced person and continuing to educate myself makes me a better designer.
   3. Implement a time blocking schedule that works for me and my business.
   4. Set aside time for personal projects.
   5. Be more proactive with my business rather than reactive.
   6. Make more time to read.
   7. Spend more time exploring Chattanooga with my husband.

How are you reflecting on your life and business this year? Leave me a comment below.

Happy New Year to everyone!