Living the E Life
As entrepreneurs, the end of the year can feel especially chaotic. In addition to preparing for and enjoying the holidays, there are also quite a few business-related tasks that will require your attention. Here are a few tips we've learned from experience that help this time of year go a bit more smoothly.
#1 - Block your time
It is super easy to get run down during this time of the year, so we've found it's important to block time off on your calendar even more intentionally. Schedule time for the extra admin tasks (e.g., reflection, wrapping up finances for taxes, planning for next year), for taking care of you (e.g., exercising, spending time with loved ones, sleep), and also for simply taking things a little bit slower. We can just about guarantee that extra to do's will creep up, so having some breathing room in your schedule allows you to continue to take care of yourself and not felt overwhelmed.
#2 - Decide what holiday traditions are non-negotiable and which ones you will let slide
For Lindsey, baking holiday treats with her kiddos and doing "Kids Christmas" with long-time family friends are on the must-do list. Abby hosts a cookie swap with her girlfriends, loves a good fresh balsam candle (iykyk), and sings holiday songs with her boys. Things that often slide for both of us: pictures with Santa, big shopping trips, and multiple holiday parties. Pick your top 1-3 holiday traditions and protect those. Otherwise, it's okay to say "no" to other holiday asks - you get to enjoy the season in your own way!
#3 - Shut down work for a few days (or longer!)
This time of year, your clients will often have too much on their own plate to schedule with you and are typically very accommodating if you are closed. It is okay to shut down completely and do zero work for a few days. This gives you a needed reset, helps you to avoid burnout, and sets boundaries for your intertwined entrepreneur life. Stepping away can also improve clarity around what truly matters to you and remind you that you have a life outside of work - both of which are important to model for our clients!
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