How to Wind Down from a Busy Year as a Business Owner and Recharge for 2024
If you’re reading this, you are most likely a business owner… and likely wearing a dozen or so other hats. You've worked tirelessly throughout the year to achieve your goals and grow your brand. So, as we approach the end of 2023, it's time to take a step back and focus on yourself.
Here’s how I plan to wind down from a busy year and recharge for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. So grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's dive into the art of self-care and rejuvenation for business owners.
Reflect and take note
If you have a journaling practice (or if you’re just looking for a helpful recap exercise) here are my favorite questions for reflecting:
What were my high points in 2023? (It’s fun and important to celebrate the wins!)
What were the lows in 2023? (It’s just as important to reflect on the struggles… it’s all part of the process. Remember, there’s no progress without some failure along the way.)
What seasons felt super busy? (And how did it make you feel: productive, successful, stressed, overwhelmed? Take note of how you felt in those busy times.)
What seasons felt slow or uncomfortable? (These times can feel like a relief after a busy rush… but they can also feel scary sometimes!)
Which offers sold really well? (Go back and check your sales numbers to make sure. You might be surprised!)
Which offers didn’t do as well? (Think about how you felt when you created offers that didn’t sell as well as you expected. Also reflect on the season these were offered and how much marketing you did.)
Who were your favorite clients? (The ones that feel like a perfect match and make great collaborators! These are the dream clients you want to work with again and again.)
Who would you politely decline working with next time? (What felt out of alignment about those projects?)
As you reflect on these questions, ask yourself if your answers can help guide the direction you choose for next year. A new year is a time when most of us like to implement changes and improvements. These answers can help guide your plans for the future!
Check in on your people.
You might have a small team of employees, preferred contractors, or business partners you frequently collaborate with throughout the year. Whoever you consider part of your team – Now is the perfect time to check in with them, and set goals together for the coming year. As business owners we don’t get invited to company holiday parties (unless we’re hosting them ourselves) and it can make this season a lonely time. Or it can be easy to let this time fly by without celebrating your accomplishments.
So check in! Send a quick thank you note to your preferred vendor or small gifts to your team of contractors. Organize a night out for dinner or drinks with business owners friends (if you’re feeling ambitious). However you celebrate, just don’t forget to acknowledge all that you’ve accomplished together!
Survey and THANK your clients!
Disclaimer: The best time to ask for a review is shortly after a client works with you. Your beautiful work (and the way you made them feel) is still fresh in their mind and you’re most likely to get a reply. That being said – If you haven’t been asking for, or receiving, consistent google reviews, now is a good time to check back in!
I like to send an end-of-year thank you note (could be an email or an actual holiday card) with a quick survey. When I’m feeling extra festive I’ll even pick a few at random and include a gift card to a local coffee shop! This is a great way to stay in touch with past clients, collect feedback and reviews, AND spread a little holiday cheer.
Set New Goals (i had to say it)
The last thing I’ll be doing (as are a lot of us) as 2023 comes to an end: Setting new goals. I know it’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it is important. There’s a reason everyone gets excited about a fresh start and a new year. A new year is filled with endless possibilities! I’m looking through all my notes from step one and creating new goals for the new year based on my results from this year. I encourage you to do the same.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a journaler, a vision board enthusiast, or a project management extraordinaire.
As business owners, we all need a little time to pause and reflect before diving into a new year. I wish you the best this holiday season and a happy 2024.
With love,
JF.
