Blog - Page 55 of 75

Here's the thing: how to go on holiday

As you read this, I’m heading to Heathrow, to get on a flight to Boston. I’ll be away for a couple of weeks.

Right now, as I write, this seems like pure madness. This is a busy time for my clients, and therefore for me. I’ve been writing product descriptions until I dream and product descriptions, and I’ve been mentoring clients in the run up to Christmas, which has its own kind of busy.

Honestly, I’ve felt a little uncomfortable telling people I’m going away. I’ve had holidays since I became self-employed, but they’ve only been a week at a time, and I’ve always taken my laptop with me.

This holiday is a no-laptop zone.

It’s important to me – vital – to have time off, to step away, to have big (and small) adventures. I work to live, not live to work. This trip is a gorgeous thing, a beacon of light. It’s time with a dear friend, exploring a city I love and then disappearing to Cape Cod for a retreat.

Retreating is important – this I know.

It gives us time to reflect and reconnect with what we’re trying to do.

And even though I know that this trip is the right decision for me, it hasn’t stopped the gremlins piping up.

The gremlins that tell me I don’t deserve a nice holiday. That I shouldn’t be taking this time off. That people will think I’m not serious about my business. That they’ll think I don’t care. That they’ll think I’m spoiled or selfish. That they’ll think I’m better off financially than they are.

I don’t know why all of these gremlins are true, but they are. And I wanted to share them with you because, even though I am committed to going away, it’s been a struggle to prepare for and fit in.

I’ve been working full tilt to get as much done as possible, and I’m still pretty sure I’ll have forgotten something and let someone down. (If that’s you, I’m really sorry. I’ve been doing my best and I’ll make it up to you.)

I’ve had to radically shift my usual working pattern, and I’ve had to think really seriously about cash flow and finances to fit this trip in. Because it’s not like I get holiday pay now! Ten days of not working when I usually would work is a big sacrifice.

And yet, this is important to me.

So here’s the thing:

Going on holiday is a commitment. It’s a commitment to yourself and to the longevity of your business.

It’s not a frivolous act, and it’s not selfish. Anything that makes you feel alive is worth your time and effort.

How to go on holiday:

Choose to go somewhere you really want to visit – otherwise the extra effort doesn’t seem worth it. Don’t compromise on where you want to go or what you want to do. Go all out and work for it. We chose a slightly nicer Airbnb for part of our trip – it’s a little extra cash, but I know I won’t resent it when I’m there.
Battle the gremlins. Always. Consistently. They’re trying to keep you small and safe. (Thanks, but no thanks.)
Believe that holidays are for you – and whatever that looks like for you.
Know that, financially, it will always feel like a stretch. I’ve held my nerve on this one. Big time. (I’ll just mention that I’ve also been planning my retreat for next year, so deposits are paid. More when I get back!)
Stop taking work on. It was more than a week ago that I stopped saying yes to things I couldn’t do, and offered time when I get back. If you’re a product-based business, you might have to think about lengthening lead times or cutting back the products you offer. You’ll pick up again when you get back.
Commit to the future, not the immediate present. Going on holiday requires you to believe that you’re worth it in the long-term. You have to focus beyond your immediate income stream, and look beyond at the investment in yourself and your creativity.

And I know that this isn’t a timely post for many – Christmas is coming and holidays are probably the last thing you’re thinking about. But come back to this post when you need it. Or plan a holiday for next year. (Or save the date for my retreat in March – 18 to 20 March 2016!)

I’ll be thinking of you all while I’m away. But not too much.

Here's the thing: you're so worth it

Last Friday, I ran a day retreat for some of the women who came to the Small Creative Business Retreat in March. It was a brilliant day of catching up, meditating and talking about looking after ourselves. It reminded me that we need reminding, often, of what we deserve.

This blog is dedicated to the women who came on Friday, and to anyone else who needs to hear it.

***

You’re worth a delicious breakfast.

You’re worth calling it a day and going to bed before 10pm.

You’re worth the effort it takes to drink a glass of water for every caffeinated drink you enjoy.

You’re worth three deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, or like you can’t make a decision, or when everyone wants your attention.

You’re worth a new pair of cosy (even cashmere) socks.

You’re worth a walk in the park, or just a bit of fresh air every day.

You’re worthy of connection with people who really get you, whom you can really trust.

You’re worth the time, effort and expense it takes to really care for yourself.

You deserve whatever it is that will really serve you, will really allow you to do your best work and feel good about it.

You deserve a massage, or just half an hour by yourself in a darkened room, if it will allow you some form of release.

You deserve a delicious meal, cooked by someone else, with no washing up – if that’s what will feed you.

You deserve to be at the top of the list, especially your own. Only you can put yourself there.

You deserve to take time off – even when you’re not making money or getting everything on your list done.

You deserve the praise and acknowledgement for showing up, every day. For keeping going, any way you can. For getting this far.

So here it is:

I see you. I see how much you’re trying, how much you’re putting into this. I see how hard it is, how much it challenges you. I see how you’re doing great, despite the million ways it could all fall apart.

You know what I see? I see anyone keeping it together, even if it’s by the skin of their teeth, I see that as winning, as success.

And even if you feel like you’re falling apart, I know that you’re doing better than you think.

This week, get the care and support you deserve, especially from yourself.

PS Booking for my 2016 retreat will open up really soon. So if you’re feeling like the well of worthiness needs filling up with more than just a blog post, keep your eyes peeled.

Christmas support: catch up on my live call

Yesterday, I hosted a live call to talk about preparing for Christmas and ways in which I can support you over Christmas (especially my new group mentoring programme).

In case you missed it, you can watch it again here (where you’ll be able to see all the chat!) or below:

Spreecast is the social video platform that connects people.

During the call, I talk about forecasting, getting prepared with products and stock, hiring staff, and how you can make the most of the busy Christmas period. I talk about managing ordering enough stock to fulfil orders, while managing your cash flow – not always easy!

If you’re interested in my group mentoring programme, you can read more and sign up here. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a one-off session, help with forecasting, or working with me ongoing, please get in touch.

You might also find Betsy Benn’s guest blog post on preparing for Christmas helpful!

So here’s the thing:

Notes of Encouragement