End of Year Tips: Successfully Close Out 2022

Every year, I take off the last ten days to wind down and prepare for the year to come. I’m so looking forward to some downtime to hang out with my boys, read as many books as possible, and cook and bake as much as I want. But I want to successfully close out 2022, so will also dedicate a little time to “housekeeping” tasks and close out my business for the year.?Today I’d like to share my end of the year tips.

When it comes to boundaries, in the words of the Monkees - I’m a believer! I covet my time off, but I also find, as an entrepreneur, that this is a fabulous time to handle some non-client related, easy tasks that I can do while listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks in the background or while I’m watching Love Actually for the hundredth time (can you believe my accountability partner has never seen this movie!!). Not only will it make my entry into 2023 that much easier, but I can do it without interruptions from emails, Voxer messages, and texts, and I can do it in my PJ’s without my Zoom game face on.?

Here are a few housekeeping tasks.?I suggest:

Clean your office

I have one of those Ikea 5x5 shelving units and stuff just piles up. Once a year, I like to clean it out, toss what I can, and move some books to my “annex” shelving downstairs.?

* Want to see how effective this is? Take a Before and After picture to feel really good about this task.

Clean out your email

THIS is the one I will be tackling hard core. Things got out of hand this fall as I dealt with some family and personal issues. I’m looking forward to doing some unsubscribing and deleting. I’ll see if I need more labels so I can automate some filing and organization here.?

* Fun fact: this also clears up a ton of space on your phone

Organize your G-drive and/or hard drive

Are you one of those people that has all your documents in one big area? It might be time for a little organization. Think about what would make the most sense in your business. Would it be best to organize by client or by the types of projects? And don’t forget to separate personal and business files. You are also a client, so make a folder for your business.

* Make sure you clearly label folders with name, title, date and anything else helpful in locating the contents later on.

Get your books up to date

Wouldn’t it feel awesome to have all of your tax information in order now for your CPA instead of scrambling and looking under the bed in April for that paperwork you don’t even remember seeing???

* Don’t forget to tally up your mileage, include any cash receipts, and send and ask for any W9’s

Back up your computer

Non-negotiable, people! Your life is on there, and if you lose everything…. well let’s not talk about it.??

* Want double insurance? Back it up on a hard drive and in “the cloud”

Update your website and social media profiles

We make random edits during the year when we add programs, change prices, get a comment that sets us in a panic about our messaging. All your platforms should be cohesive.

* Don’t ask for too many opinions on these changes. Get feedback from one or two people who will lovingly tell you the truth

Review your past year

What went well? What did you learn? Where are your next opportunities? Fave client and most challenging? Find out what you liked/ disliked about working with them.

* Take the time to feel good about achievements you overlooked. It’s never too late to give yourself little rewards. Starbucks, please:)

Set new 12-week goals

And keep moving towards them by breaking those goals down into executable action plans - complete with due dates - so you can really hit the ground running in 2023.?

* Remember to give yourself a few days to ease back into your work life.

As you close the door on 2022, think about where you’ll focus not only in 2023, but in your first 12 weeks. There are a few ways to work with me. I offer workshops, 12-week groups, and 1:1 programs. Schedule a call with me to see which offer will work for you.

Have a wonderful holiday!