Well, I did use to shy away from making resolutions because most people make them and then life happens and we blame it all on our busyness and proceed to just throw our hands up and surrender. I’m guilty of that too, so for many years, I didn’t even set out making one. (uh-oh)
This year however, I thought I would do so, not for me but for my business www.partyparlorsg.com .☺ (Yes still trying to shrug off the personal resolutions haha, it’s a feeble attempt perhaps).
I know it’s hardly the end of the year but let’s talk resolutions.
In sports, many athletes use mental practise to rehearsal a physical skill without movement. It is effective both for skill learning and preparing for competition. I think likewise in business, we should always practice our craft, flex our mental muscle. There are two theories about why imagery and rehearsals in the mind are effective:
1. Neuromuscular theory proposes that visualization activates the same motor pathways as if the skill were physically performed, but at a sub-threshold level. Studies using EMG equipment have demonstrated this activation, which is comparable to physical movement but at a lower level.
2. Cognitive theory suggests that imagery speeds up the acquisition of mental elements required for the performance of a skill. The athlete can also devise strategies and test solutions without the risk of injury or fatigue.
So hey even if you sit there procrastinating and not lifting a finger, I urge you to mentally practise reaching your goals/resolutions. Envision yourself getting to where you want to be this 2015. Do that often! Doesn’t hurt one bit.
Here are my ‘business’ resolutions:
RESOLUTION #1 - MORE ME-TIME FOR THE BUSINESS OWNER
As an entrepreneur, I am solely responsible for my own motivation, productivity and well-being. There’s no boss to pat me on the back or give me a pay raise. It’s up to me to keep myself motivated and well inspired. Which I am proud to say I kept my end of my own bargain for the past four years when it came to Party Parlour.
Back in 2010 as a start-up with little to call my own - I had to scale back a lot on my lifestyle, which meant less shopping… less indulgences. That’s what people do, right? Scale back on the luxuries….make the sacrifices. Now four years on, I am happy I’ve reached a place where I earn more than I used to in my previous job..my views on life and money and motivations have changed drastically (for the better, as I would like to have myself believe).
I guess it is healthy to celebrate your small wins. Specific milestones like winning a new client over, meeting a tough deadline, or working "overtime" for multiple nights on end. As a resolution – I would reward myself with more me-time such as taking a day off to go to the gym…or even to go cycling or just fix a dinner with a bunch of girlfriends to keep life in good balance - something I haven't been doing all that often over the past four years. Now since one has to play top dog, and things don’t function without me…. I guess I got to be my own priority? Or face burn out..
RESOLUTION #2: MAKING MY CUSTOMERS MY PRIORITY (this stays on the list for good)
From day 1, this was my resolution . But this still stays on the list.
Fact is: customer service can make or break your relationship with current and even future customers. Looking ahead to 2015, customer service should be a priority for every small business. Oh and remember, it’s a lot easier to vest time into customers for repeat sales or referrals than to convince or convert a new one. Still, you should court both ☺
I think little things like sending them greeting cards, text messages or emails to catch up outside of work is a lovely thing to do too. Don’t you just love it when a work associate or client becomes a good friend of yours? Or when the trust or camaraderie is mutual.
RESOLUTION #3: GIVING MEANING TO EACH GOAL
Yes this is a resolution…. Lol (to aid all the other resolutions)
Making an emotional attachment to a goal will give you greater meaning and power up your drive to go on to achieve what you set out to do. For instance, tying in family is usually a good idea. Making more money at business is a good goal to set, but making more money because you want to provide a great life for your kids or a better retirement for your folks is a goal with an emotional attachment that makes it that much more achievable. Agree? I reckon making more money to get that Hermes bag you always wanted could work too.
But hey, my friends and I joke some times about splurging our money on a Chanel or Hermes bag and then having so little left such that we have to resort to taking public transport such as the MRT. Nothing wrong with that I guess, just a little too ironic.
RESOLUTION #4: LESS MULTITASKING
I'm constantly multi-tasking, whether I'm in a meeting, at a networking event or having dinner with friends. For someone whose wheels are constantly spinning about the endless tasks at hand, I think I am going to make a concerted effort to live in the moment and take advantage of the great opportunities I have to meet new, inspiring people and enjoy quality time with the family and friends who have been with me on my four year journey thus far.
RESOLUTION #4: EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY, BUT DIGITALLY DETOX WHEN POSSIBLE TOO
The much due website update for my business has been signed, sealed, but not delivered yet since July. A cue that I should wrangle more out of my service provided. The goal – since we’re so wired these days, a website is your company’s ‘face’ that the world sees. It’s got to be attractive, capture leads, convert page views to sales, and include testimonials and perhaps a video.
A new year, a new look perhaps? With regular updates….. to keep things from dulling. Small achievable goals.
And whenever possible, my resolution is to steer clear from the computer and phone…giving more face to face time to my friends and family and the things that matter outside of work.
To end off this topic on scaling great heights – here’s an inspring talk given by David Blane on how he held his breath for 17 minutes.
See there’s so much science behind magic …. Magic is just stuff we haven’t found the explanations for…things that aren’t in plain sight.
The key takeaway from his talk – is to challenge yourself, and that one’s personal journey is really a series of obstacles….where the key is to not give up. And when you don’t….. you are possible.
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