Julia was (and possibly still is) an experienced practitioner and teacher of neuromuscular therapy. She was one of my mentors when I was studying for my certification in neuromuscular therapy, way back in 1994. (Yeah, I was a neuromuscular therapist in a previous life… the only career I’ve had that didn’t require a ton of writing.)
Julia had this New Year’s ritual she followed faithfully. At the start of every New Year, she would make one, big, entirely-selfish change in her business. A change that served her and her alone. Not her clients. Not even necessarily the growth of her business. But her.
One year, she closed down her offices (she had two) and decided to work solely out of her home. The next year, she raised her rates by 30%, making her the highest-priced neuromuscular therapist in her area.
The following year, she only accepted clients who were willing to invest in an initial 3-session package because she knew if her clients received less than that, they wouldn’t experience the healing they craved.
What I appreciate about Julia’s One Big Change approach to her business and New Year is… it’s simple, concrete and deliciously self-serving, yet holds the potential to create significant ripple effects throughout one’s business and life.
For instance, by choosing to close down her two offices and work from home, Julia saved a ton of money on rent and (because she no longer had to commute) added an extra hour to every work day.
Plus, this One Big Change idea doesn’t require a detailed 12-month plan, an elaborate envisioning process, or any kind of resolution or even will power. Just one powerful choice.
So… what about you?
Is there One Big Change you could make in your business this year that would feel incredibly good to you? One that’s completely self-serving? Like… narrowing down your services so you’re only doing work you adore? Or outsourcing all of your energy-sucking busy work to a Virtual Assistant? Or choosing to only work 4 days a week?
As for me… I’m cheating.
Instead of making One Big Change, I’m making three.
All three feel incredibly good to me and completely in alignment with my soul.
But… 2 out of 3 of these changes scare the crap out of me.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Being vs Doing
Rather than focusing on what I want to create, do, have, accomplish or even experience this year, I’m focusing on Who I Am Being. In my biz, in my artistry, in my relationships, and in my life.
Over this past year, it became exquisitely clear to me that in order to create a life and biz that lights me up, I don’t need to do more or try harder or take on more spiritual practices. I just need to fully be the Me who already has the life, love, and business I want.
If this sounds vague and a bit woo-woo, it is. In fact, I wasn’t even going to mention it here. But I feel strongly that Who We Be is key to creating what we want. I’ll say more about this throughout the year.
Moment by Moment, Baby!
This year, instead of creating a vision (which I’ve done every year for the past 5 years), or making a list of goals, or making a plan (or doing anything that requires looking into the future), I’m devoting myself to being in and creating from… the moment. Moment by moment.
This choice feels so profoundly right for me because I sense how it will liberate more of my creativity while deepening my connection to divine inspiration. At the same time, my mind is freaking out! It’s screaming, jumping up-and-down and telling me, this is a plan for disaster! This is a sure fire way to get absolutely nothing accomplished this year!
But my soul is sure this decision will allow me to be aware of new possibilities and lead to wiser decisions, greater creativity, and more ease and pleasure in my business. Plus, it supports beautifully my choice to focus on Who I’m Being rather than what I’m doing.
A 5-day Work Week
This One Big Change came to me just this weekend. Here it is:
In 2019, I’m taking both Saturday and Sunday off from my business.
I’ve always kept Sundays sacred. It’s been the one day of the week where I disconnect from my biz, from social media, and my computer, and let myself do what I want, when I want.
But in 2019, I’m taking both Saturday and Sunday off (eeeek!) so I can indulge in more music, creative writing, new learnings, and spontaneous adventures with friends.
So… are you up for making One Big Change this year? (Or… maybe even 3?)
Before you do, before you decide, ask yourself:
“What One Big Change would allow me to experience more of what I love this year?”
“What change would make everything in my biz more fun, easy and joyful?”
“What change would allow me to move into more of what I want and more of who I want to be?”
See what comes to you. Whatever it is, it should feel exciting (maybe even a bit scary?) and… happy.
I’d love to hear about your One Big Change, if you choose to make one. If you feel so inspired, share it in the comments below!
And may you have One Big Magical, Magnificent Year!