A new year, a new purpose?

It’s already convincingly January. We are back to our school run and work routines. The moment of declaring New Year’s Resolutions may technically have passed, but since my business year-end is at the end of this month, perhaps I can get away with being a bit late with this post?! I’m giving myself permission to hold off from reflecting on 2021 and the amazing opportunities that came my way until I get to that milestone, but I am going to spend a few minutes now starting to look ahead. You’re allowed to make the rules when you run your own business, right?!

Back in September, I invested in my first real bit of CPD as a business owner. Given that I work in education, and that a good portion of my time is spent supporting organisations that deliver training to those who work in schools, you might argue that it’s a bit overdue (and you’d be right). So, I’ve been working with a sales and business mentor* who has, in just a few short weeks, done wonders for my self belief and confidence. I will share more details of the programme we’re doing together in another post, but, for now, I’m going to share something that we were discussing in today’s session.

We were all asked to consider what our word for 2022 is going to be: something that we will use to create our goal-setting, our vision, our strategy and plans for the year. I have chosen two (I never quite do what I’m told…) and here’s what they are…

First, I am making a commitment to my business that everything I do this year is going to be purposeful. Every project that I do, every client I work with, every decision I make, will be done with purpose. I want to work on things that align with my business values. I want to make real, positive changes to the outcomes of young people - this is my ultimate purpose, after all. I want to work with clients who share those values - organisations that want to improve young people’s education, life chances, opportunities, mental health and wellbeing. Everything I do as I develop my business this year is going be designed to support this. Watch this space!

My second word is going to be balance. Running a business full-time, looking after two children and managing the demands of a busy household alone (my husband is a brilliant tv producer, but his work takes him away Monday - Friday) is as exhausting as it sounds. And in order to do all of those things better, I need to create a better balance in my life. I will work smarter, not longer, I will be focussed and organised when I work, allowing me to be present for the kids when they’re home. I’m going to carve out time for non-client work - the stuff that bigger companies have individual departments for like accounts, marketing, communications - instead of squeezing it around the edges and I am not going apologise for asking for support at work or at home.

Purposefully creating this balance is the ultimate goal. I’ll let you know how I get on!

Happy New Year!

*If you’re interested in improving your relationship with selling, I highly recommend you check out http://www.theelevatecircle.com/ Every word Enfys utters is gold!