5 Personal Changes I Made in 2019 That Grew My Business and Made It My Most Successful Year YET

I made a few simple lifestyle changes that changed everything.

I have to admit that 2019 has been my most purposeful, productive and profitable year in my professional journey to date. During the holidays, I like to take a moment for self and professional reflection to evaluate every effort that has worked, and create a method to multiply it in the upcoming year. 

In 2018, I realized my company hit a 3-year plateau and I needed to break a few habits that held my business back from excelling. Achieving a new level of success requires eliminating habit loops that consistently disconnect you from your potential. If you want a new result, it requires a new action.

Change requires a daily audit to make it effective. In 2019, I grew my team and revenue by prioritizing these five strategies and so can you.

I Upgraded My Conversations and Connections 

I created some amazing-- and at times unrealistic-- goals for 2019, but I was ready for the challenge. To achieve my goals, I made a commitment to have a minimum of 10 new high-level conversations each day. 

It was a challenge, but it only works if you reciprocate value. I had to do my research before making the connection. I learned how to master the art of communicating value very early in the conversation based on my own research. Every new connection added value to my personal brand, which created new opportunities and introductions to other key decision makers. 

Never avoid the importance of building a network of influencers and gatekeepers. People may forget your post online, but they will remember your conversation. 

I Surrounded Myself With Knowledge

In addition to all of my academic achievements, I am a self-proclaimed podcast and Audible addict. I spent the year soaking up knowledge from numerous creators and high achievers. I applied a few strategies that I learned from the world's best high-achievers, and most of it has worked. The best book I have read this year is the The One Thing by Gary Keller. I believe it will transform your business and give you the tools to focus. 

Knowledge is only powerful if it is applied. I simply refuse to listen to any of the information pollution that fills the air each day. I have found new strategies to make my business grow by listening to the advice of others in my industry, and the results have been amazing. 

Taking My Health Seriously

I had a close wake up call when my husband's best friend passed away last year at 43 years old. He struggled for many years with poor health choices and eating habits, which led to numerous health deficiencies. It was an alarm clock in my life that I needed. 

After a deep dive, I discovered that I was a binge eater, who blamed my "busy-ness and business" for my own laziness. So, I started an accountability calendar on my phone to block out time for morning exercise, detox juicing and seeking healthy alternatives to most of my favorite foods. In addition to my physical health, I made time for my mental health by turning off all distractions and resting more. 

Success and wealth is worthless if you are not well enough to enjoy it. Prioritizing my health was the best decision I have made. Remember, health is a lifestyle, not a diet. 

I Eliminated Meetings and "Exploratory" Calls 

Two years ago, I accepted a meeting with a potential client, that was a 2-hour waste of time. There was no agenda and it was clear that it was a photo-op, with no potential for professional engagement. That was my last meeting ever. 

Meetings without a guided agenda and a deliverable or ask are a waste of valuable time. I completely avoid all of the requests to jump on the phone to "explore" how we can work together, unless the other party has an agenda for review in advance.  

Remember, ineffective meetings affect productivity. Limit your availability to scheduling meetings that offer a clear agenda and deliverable. 

I Was Intentional

I was extremely focused and intentional about my goals this year. I mapped out a plan at the beginning of the year of all of the connections, opportunities and conversations that would take my company to the next level.

I ended the year by speaking to a crowd of over 8,000 women at Facebook in San Francisco. All of my efforts and steps were in direct alignment with attracting a moment of a lifetime. By eliminating the need to say “yes” to everything, and focus on my One Thing, I had the ability to create value by leading a powerful talk that was streamed around the world, which is in direct alignment with my brand.

The new year is approaching. It is time to make some simple changes to create your best year ever.

Carol Sankar is a high level consultant and the founder of The Confidence Factor for Women in Leadership. She has been featured at TEDx, The Steve Harvey Show, Columbia Business School, The United Way and more. In addition, her work has been covered by Inc. Magazine, Glamour, O Magazine, Forbes, Harvard, Entrepreneur Magazine - to name a few. Carol is also a contributor for Inc., & Entrepreneur Magazine. For more details, visit www.carolsankar.com