work smart in 2013
So it’s the first Monday of 2013. You’ve made resolutions and dreamed big dreams for your blog/business. That’s great! I’ve done the same. A few more goals have been added to my list and I think they’re very important. Important enough to share them with you!
Here are 3 things I am going to do in 2013:
1. Stop obsessing over stats
Don’t get me wrong, they’re important. It’s great to see how much readers connected with certain posts, what products are selling best, etc. but they can also be very distracting. Low numbers are disappointing, of course, but if I see crazy high stats from an unexpected feature, I get super excited and seriously lose concentration. Okay… maybe that’s just me. ;)
Game plan: schedule time at the end of the work day/week to analyze website statistics.
2. Keep a list of accomplishments + exciting moments
This is something I did for about a month after launching CLC. It’s kind of like keeping track of when a baby takes its first steps and says its first words! Looking back at those proud moments will create confidence moving forward! It will also be very encouraging!
Game plan: create a timeline and keep it in an easily accessible place + update it accordingly
3. Set work hours
Wow, crazy idea right? If you own a business I’m sure you understand how hard this can be. But man, it’s so important. It may sound restrictive but I’ve realized it will be very freeing. By scheduling time for work, ( I’ve also broken it up by task – we’ll see how that works out ) my time will be multiplied because my focus will be on a specific project instead of on everything else I need to get done.
It will also help my relationships with family and friends. While I won’t be available during work hours, I will be much more present when I am with them.
Of course there are going to have to be exceptions because, well, it’s life! There will be projects that take longer than planned. And sometimes ( probably a lot actually ) I am going to want to keep working because I truly love my job! So I am going to let myself work late one night a week if needed ( or inspired ).
Game plan: schedule business hours + one night a week of “overtime”
How are you planning to work smarter this year?
- jordan
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Oh, I totally resonate with the setting of work hours! That is critical for me right now as I balance being mama to two little ones (under 2) + gear up for my business launch on February 1st!
Another work smarter goal for me are to really implement my to do list + calendar. I’ve got these digital copies online – but I’ve also leaned in + have paper copies in a little folder that I carry around the house. No more “living out of my head” because that just never seems to work for me.
oooo congrats on the business launch! how exciting!
and man, i don’t know HOW i’m going to do it all with kids! i think about that a lot! haha
yes on the to do list! i’ve had to do the same for sure.
I really love all of these goals that you’ve set, Jordan! I think my favorite would be to stop obsessing over stats because I think that’s something that every blogger worries over at least once. It’s hard to not focus on how much attention one post is getting, and it’s even harder to not compare our own stats to someone else’s.
I’m working smarter by doing a Happiness Project. The project helps me work smarter because I planned out things that I want to do for or with my blog over the next year, and it will keep me from trying to do everything at once. Instead of worrying about quality, a media kit, and guest blogging for others I can do a little bit every month. :)
how exciting! i’m looking forward to seeing what you have planned for your blog! :)
These are great! I too have had to take a step back and analyze how I can work smarter. For me, the biggest thing boils down to time. I feel I spend too much time on me and not enough with the ones that matter – so setting work hours is a great idea!
Thanks for sharing!
XOXO
yes! i’d like to find something who has figured out the time thing and quiz them! haha
My goal is to be more focused and schedule time for learning/doing/being. It seems easy but I get a little carried away with learning. I love it and can spend hours doing it. I need to create more balance. Thanks for the tips
awesome. sounds like a good problem to have! ;)
I don’t know about others, but I forget all the time to keep track of those ‘baby steps.’ It really does help your confidence so much when you can look back and say ‘hey… remember when I did that?’ I’m stealing that resolution.
Your goals for number one and number two really relate to me. I have blogged off and on for the past few years and am really gonna give it a go in July. But I still put up a post every once and a while and I’m checking my numbers daily. Even though I don’t post regularly. Also, it’s always nice to look back and see all the accomplishes you have done, even on those days when you feel like you’re not getting much work done or accomplishing your goals.
Thanks for sharing! You’re very inspiring!
These are great, Jordan, and I can definitely relate. Wishing you a happy new year! xo
Ooh, I love the second one! I’m a huge writer, journal-er, and recorder of memories. It sounds like a wonderful idea that I can’t wait to start. I think it would also make a cute take on those memory jars that I’ve seen all over Pinterest lately. :)
Great advice! Especially the part about business milestones. I really wished I did that.
never too late to start ;)