I wasn’t going to write this newsletter, but as everyone seems to be beginning the wind down to Christmas and starting to reflect back on the year, I thought it might be helpful to share a snippet of my year and some questions to ask yourself for your own review of the year.
I’ll be doing my big review and starting to look ahead to my intentions in 2023 in that strange but lovely time, in between Christmas and New Year. I find this a great time and there is not much going on and I’m much more relaxed after having some time off work (although me and my husband joked the other day that finishing work for Christmas with kids is like stopping one job but still having to attend the 24/7 one!).
Highs
You need to expand to allow for growth
It’s now not just me, here at Emily Button Creative as I now have a business manager working with me. When it’s just you in the business it can be tough to ask for help and bringing someone in can seem scary. I’m actually much more of a perfectionist than I ever thought and sometimes struggle to let go of control. I’ve worked with Virtual Assistants in the past but always struggled to find someone that had ideas about business growth and that we could work together on strategic priorities. It was also tough working out when was the right time to bring someone on, as it can feel a bit chicken and egg with growth, so I don’t think there is ever a ‘right’ time. Julie is fantastic though and has helped me put processes and tools in place to simplify things and she’s helped build out a plan for something mega exciting that is happening in Jan (watch this space!)
More coaching clients then ever
I’ve coached more women this year than I have in previous years and it has been wonderful. I am always reminded after ending a coaching session, how much I love the work I do. I feel energised and inspired to support women to overcome blocks and challenges and create a life and career of their dreams.
Expanding my coaching within companies
I’ve had the pleasure of working with an amazing array of companies including London School of Economics and NHS England. I’ve delivered 121 coaching sessions and my group coaching program ‘Elevate’. It’s been amazing to support these women to have a better understanding of themselves and their whys, passions, purpose and values and how that relates to the work they are doing and want to be doing.
I have so many big plans for 2023 to expand my reach with companies that are committed to addressing gender equality in their workforce and supporting their female talent to thrive. If you work for a company like that or know of one that you think would be a perfect partnership then please let me know!
Lows
You need to expand to allow for growth
This is a double edged sword I think, which is why it features as a high and also a low. Personally, this has been one of the toughest years in terms of growth. I struggled after having O - juggling 2 small kids, finding time for myself even to breathe and starting work again when he was 4 months was ALOT. I’ve learnt so much about myself and have spent the year understanding my needs and unlearning some of the coping mechanisms. They say personal development is a life’s work and it definitely is for me, but I am ending the year a much more self-aware and stronger woman
You can’t do everything, at the same time
This is something I’ve had to constantly remind myself of this year. I’ve had a huge amount of coaching clients, programs to create, brand strategy and so much behind the scenes work on the business to do, that at times it’s felt overwhelming. I have chosen to have 2 days of childcare a week (I say chosen - because I am proud of the life and business I have created that allows me the privilege to do that) and have to remind myself that I cannot do everything and I need to be realistic with what’s achievable in a working day. This has involved stringent prioritisation and constant focus on non negotiables which has kept me focused and on track.
One of the biggest drivers for setting up my business was to allow me the flexibility to spend time with my boys and I think I do that really well. So it’s in the moments of stress and overwhelm where I need to remind myself of my why.
So that’s a snippet of some of the highs and lows of my year and business. I hope you take some time to reflect on yours.
Here are some detailed questions that may help which I will be using over the next few weeks:
What are your top 5 happiest moments of the past year?
What small things have you enjoyed doing the most day to day?
What are you most grateful for?
What are your top life changing moments of the last year?
What are your personal and professional lessons?
How have you moved closer to a major life goal or your life vision?
I’d love to know yours so feel free comment or direct message me!
I’d also like to say thank you so much for being here. I love this little community and have so many exciting things to grow and expand.
Have a great Christmas x