November 22, 2013
Six Smart Holiday Boss Moves to Ensure Success into the New Year
It’s that time of year again: Holiday season. For many, it’s a time to relax, gear up for vacation and family time, and close out those last quarter projects and budgets.
If you’re smart, as with any holiday, you can fit in a few boss moves while you’re on your down time, or gearing up for it. Here’s a little check list to get you started:
1. Taxes and paperwork: Do you have everything gathered for tax season? Have you done your due diligence in terms of new projects and businesses you’ve launched (or plan to launch) before tax season. Be sure to at least start preliminary planning for this. You’d hate to be caught slipping—and rushing—to get these things done come April. Gather up those forms, receipts, files, and get up to speed on tax breaks you may have missed or might be newly eligible for.
2. Vision board: If you already have one that details your dreams and aspirations from 2013, evaluate where you are in the journey to achieve them. Are you that much closer to completing that degree program, getting that new job, starting that new business or relocating to your dream locale? Evaluate your process to getting to where you want to be. If you don’t have a vision board, create one for 2014. Put those positive thoughts out there and get to work.
3. Conferences and meetings: If you’re like me and are usually scrambling at the last minute to coordinate trips or meetings, it would be a good idea to go ahead and look into industry trade shows, meet ups and conferences, plan or make arrangements and put them on your calendar.
4. Volunteering: If you weren’t able to give of your time for some cause that is close to your heart or utilize your skills to help someone in need, put that on your to-do list. Not only is it for goodwill and a boost to your own morale, but you could meet your next boss, co-worker, client or partner, simply by getting out in your community or industry and being involved in a service project. Read up on ways to give back that accommodate what you’re good at or what you love doing.
5. Budget and finances: OK, so you may not have reached those goals. Or maybe you handled your business with more than flying colors. Either way, take an assessment of your budget, lifestyle and finances. Be sure to cut out habits or spending that just doesn’t work for where you want to be in the future. Is it time to downsize? Is your lease coming up for renewal? Could you save money on your insurances or cut out cable? Is it time to buy instead of renting? Think about this things and plan accordingly.
6. Health and fitness: It’s always good to be on the up and up when it comes to your overall health, spiritually, physically, and mentally. Be sure to make those necessary appointments for checkups and tests, whether it’s with a counselor, physician, nutritionist, trainer or specialist. Really think about what feeds your spirit, and make a plan to enrich your mind and body. If you’ve reached a fitness goal, set a new one for the year and begin plans for reaching a new goal.
How have you been planning your boss moves for the new year? #Soundoff and follow me on Twitter @JPHazelwood.