5 Steps to Spring Clean your Business
Seasons are one of my all time favorite things. The changing of what was into what is, the opportunity to start fresh and leave heartaches of the last few months behind while letting the joys propel you into what’s next.
And there’s something particularly special about Spring. Sunshine, wild flowers and longer days put me in the mood to clean up my home, my heart and my business. As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to take time and reflect on our progress + growth and make room for what’s to come which is why I’m sharing the 5 Steps to Spring Clean your Business.
STEP ONE: REFLECT
I’ll be honest, reflection isn’t my favorite thing. While I love to learn and grow, when I’m in the midst of a million other things, reflection feels like a time suck I can’t afford. But the reality is, reflection is the only way to grow.
Take an hour or so to write out the major decisions, contracts, outcomes, etc. in your business for the first quarter of the year. Really remember what you’ve accomplished, what ideas you’ve had and all the major areas that rule your calendar right now. Reflect on …
What was it and why did you decide to do it?
How did it go/what was the outcome?
What would you have done differently looking back now?
How did it make you feel to do that thing? Is that how you hoped to feel?
Now, write down the 5 things you MOST appreciate about your business so far this year. Here’s mine:
Flexibility and freedom in my schedule and location.
The opportunity to work with clients I care about with missions I believe in.
Connections in my work that support me and allow me to pour back into them.
My new commitment to boundaries and mutual respect in my client relationships.
The ability to grow myself as a business owner and leader through the expansion of my team.
When you’ve taken the time to reflect, write and appreciate Q1, you’re ready to move onto Step 2: Restore.
STEP TWO: RESTORE
Reflection revealed everything you’ve done this past quarter and wow, you’ve worked hard! You’re doing your best, but certainly there are things that aren’t perfect. That’s why it’s time to step back and restore the broken pieces in your business.
Make a list of pain points. Is your inbox overwhelming you? Do you keep getting double booked but don’t have time to fix that pesky calendar connection?
Maybe you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and there’s a whole list of things you’ve stopped paying attention to. We’ve all been there. Take time to write those things down so we can find solutions that allow for restoration in your work.
Now, sort your pain points into 3 buckets:
Remove: Are these things important? Do they have to happen for you to reach your goals? If not, put them on pause. Cancel subscriptions that aren’t serving you and eliminate tasks that just aren’t worth it.
Replace: These are pain points that can be done in a different way. Perhaps you wanted to show up daily on IG, but it’s just not happening. Can you replace that with a weekly goal? Replace goals and tasks that aren’t serving you or your business with realistic adjustments for success.
Redistribute: It’s time to outsource! These are the things that have to be done, but are not the best use of your personal time and capacity (or just not enjoyable to you). Find a Virtual Assistant you trust and remove those tasks from your plate all together and get back to doing what you love most.
STEP THREE: RENEW
Now it’s time to renew your mind. As a business owner, your brain is likely filled to the brim and hustle culture creeps in wherever it can. Even taking the time to clean up your business can add to that feeling of overwhelm, so take a little break. Go for a walk, turn up the Beyonce and have a dance party or just sit and breath for a moment.
Remind yourself of all you’ve done so far, thank yourself for taking the time to spring clean and consider what you are looking forward to in this new season. Entrepreneurship can be equally challenging and rewarding. Remember all you’ve done to get where you are today and appreciate the hard work that will continue to be worth it. (I don’t think I’ve met an entrepreneur who didn’t think it was worth it. And also super hard.)
STEP FOUR: REPRIORITIZE
Bring your mind back to your business. What are your goals? Where is your impact? Write them down and number them in order of importance.
Now add timelines to your priorities. Try to balance times that push you (easy goals aren’t worth setting IMO) but are also realistic. What do you definitely want to accomplish and by when? What is lower in priority and can be done later?
Here’s some ideas:
Set up an inbox filter by April 30th
Organize my Google Drive by May 1st
Hire a VA by May 15th
Don’t be afraid to work on some personal goals and timelines while you’re at it! Blending your personal and business goals can help you to better balance and blend these two areas rather than having competing deadlines that lead you straight to burnout.
STEP FIVE: REJOICE
You did it! It is so important as entrepreneurs to take time to rejoice in our accomplishments. There’s nobody waiting to give you a high five (or a bonus), so celebrate yourself! And if you’re looking for a community of female entrepreneurs who work hard, but hate hustle- check out my newsletter!
Spring cleaning- complete. Yay! While Spring is a great time, you can repeat this process any time. If it feels like it’s been raining and you need a little sunshine, remember the 5 Steps and start fresh. New beginnings happen whenever you want- you’re the boss!