What happens when the decorations get packed away and holiday lights get switched off? Are you excited about the new year to come, or do you dread the long winter ahead?
Small business owners work tirelessly year-round and may only get a short reprieve during or after the holiday season. But coming back from that brief break can be difficult after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
If you’re feeling a little too mellow this post-holiday season, try one or more of these five ways to feel rejuvenated for the new year.
1. Chat with a business colleague
Make time to grab a cup of coffee with another business owner. Even if their industry is vastly different from your own, you can act as a sounding board for one another to troubleshoot business problems or celebrate victories. After talking shop with someone who isn’t working in your business all the time, you might be surprised at the ideas or solutions that develop!
Relationships are so important to fostering small business success, so take time to catch up with entrepreneurs you respect in your community.
2. Take a walk
A cozy, cookie-filled holiday season can leave even the most active people feeling sluggish. Bundle up, and venture outside to let yourself reset. Beyond physical benefits, a brisk 30-minute walk each day can improve your mood and boost your creativity. So, whether you’re battling the winter doldrums or trying to solve a particular business issue, a few minutes away from technology and your to-do list can provide a breath of fresh air — literally, and when it comes to wearing your thinking cap.
3. Set some goals
Don’t feel like going out in the cold? You can still get those creative juices flowing. Sit down with old-fashioned pen and paper, and let yourself scribble. Or create a vision board. Think about your successes in the previous year, the challenges you faced, and your goals for the upcoming year. These can be as lofty or as practical as you like; the more important thing is that you take time to think about goals and benchmarks for the coming months.
4. Do some paperwork
You may be a person who tackles even the most difficult tasks with gusto. But if you find yourself dragging after the holidays, you can still take steps to feel productive. Start with the easiest task on your list first: think taking care of this month’s bills; getting organized for tax season; or planning a few social media posts. Doing small tasks first creates momentum for you to get back into the swing of things.
5. Get a mentor
SCORE mentors are the ultimate small business cheerleaders. If you’re in a slump, aren’t sure what to do next, or just want a little advice from someone who’s been in your shoes, it’s time to meet with a mentor. By taking some time out of your day-to-day role, your mentor can help you think about your business from a high level, rather than letting you get lost in the weeds.
You may not be thinking “New year, new small business!” but a mentor can help you get into a growth mindset for 2018.
