Do ONE THING To Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet

Yes, just one thing can make the difference. And, a few small things can be transformative.

When I started this business back in 2014, I uncovered something that had been right under my nose. But, because I had been head-down, sleeves up and working nearly 24/7 between the demands of a high-powered corporate job and my family, I missed it.

What Entrepreneurs Know

Before I become one myself, I looked at entrepreneurs in complete awe. How did they just make things happen? Where did they get the confidence? How did they survive if an idea fell flat? How did they handle putting their heart and soul into a project for months, only to put it out there and have nobody bite?

Yes, all of these things are hard, and often heartbreaking. But here’s what successful entrepreneurs do that most mere mortals never see:

They spend as much time on their mindset as they do on the nuts and bolts of their business. In fact…

They come to understand that their mindset IS the nuts and bolts of their business.

The same thing is true for you, whether you are an entrepreneur, thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, or looking for your next great job.

6 Mindset Hacks That Can Make 2019 a Great Year

If job hunting and rejections have you discouraged, then you know how every entrepreneur has felt at one point or another.

As I was building Avarah Careers, I had more false starts and missteps than I can count. Thank goodness it didn’t take me too long to realize that I needed help. So I started following business owners I admired. I attended conferences. I read every book I could get my hands on and plowed through weekly blogs like my life depended on it. Because in important ways it really did. And I began working with several coaches who held me accountable and picked me up when I fell down.

I still use the mindset hacks I learned from this process every day, and I used them when I recently interviewed for a job myself (more on that in the new year!). I discovered that they are PERFECT for the stress of job hunting – no matter your circumstances.

1. Visualize success. Where do you want to be at this time next year? Be specific. Picture it down to the smallest detail. Now ask yourself, what has to happen for me to get there? How to do it.
2. Pick a word. Choose a word for 2019. My word for 2018 has been VOICE. I chose “voice” because I noticed I was holding back. I wasn’t speaking when my voice was needed and could help. I wanted also to be true to my voice, and to follow my own voice, rather than somebody else’s. I have the word “voice” on my wall thanks to my wonderful friend Jeannie, a brilliant color stylist who can help anyone look and feel better through color. Check out Jeannie at Your Color Guru. My word for 2019 is MEANING.
3. Put something to look forward to on your calendar. This one is thanks to my dear friend John Kane. I was having a rough time. Nothing seemed to be going well, and John (who has advised many new business owners) asked, “Well, what are you looking forward to?”  When I practically sobbed, “Nothing!,” he gently said, “Sarah, you should always have something you are looking forward to on your calendar. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Just something.” Here are some ideas.
4. Know your value. When you stop giving away your work for less than you are worth, people will a) have more respect for you; and b) you will have the money you need. I strongly recommend Mika Brzezinski’s book Know Your Value, and also encourage you to research what people who do what you do (or want to do) are paid. You can do that at www.salary.com, and www.payscale.com.
5. Do the hardest thing first. Seriously. It works. See Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog.
6. Keep a journal. Write it all down. Feelings, regrets, doubts, etc. And don’t forget to include the good stuff. You have a lot to be thankful for and it helps to remember that!

Even choosing just one of these things can make a qualitative difference in how you feel about the life you are living right now. If you do several, you will be well on your way to a great 2019!

Happy New Year!

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