January is gone, but setting good intentions for the year is still a good idea. Here are 7 practices I'm carrying over in 2023, that you might like to start as well.
1. Scheduled DND
The What
From 7pm to 8am, my phone is on Do Not Disturb (DND), and select apps are on Downtime.
The Why
This allows me to disconnect and to recharge.
The Results
I am less stressed at bedtime, I have quieter and more enjoyable evenings. I'm also able to protect cocooning time, which is especially important for introverts. Finally, I'm able to reinforce boundaries others might try to push, I'm able to practice self-discipline, and to curb an addiction to social media.
2. No-Screen Sabbath Sundays
The What
All day on Sundays, there is no laptop use; no movies, no social media, no work, etc.
The Why
This allows me to go through a “dopamine detox”. It also allows me to practice Sabbath; which is about reconnecting with God and others.
The Results
I feel more rested, I read more books. I also have the opportunity to do ministry and to make time for people in my circle and community.
3. Tasks System via Notion
The What
I created a system that allows me to share tasks and procedures with my team in order to streamline our workflow as a business using Notion.
The Why
In this post-COVID era, working remotely has been normalized like never before. And so, this system makes this working experience, for lack of a better word, work. My goal is to build a standard, top-notch client experience for MelJeanty & Co; having a structure like this allows us to do just that.
The Results
We’ve developed a tried-and-true, 7-step journey for every client. This system also allows to spend less time on execution and more time on strategy. This, for me, is one indicator of growth in my business. And the template is free. You can grab it here at our Free Resource Library.
4. Booking via Calendly
The What
Setting times for appointments was a process that used to take place via email; this was quite time-consuming. Now, there’s an established calendar for Discovery Calls.
The Why
I wanted an automated, more professional and easier process when it came to our Discovery Calls. I also wanted to reinforce boundaries some might want to push, as well as create a better experience for both the client and myself. Finally, I wanted us to be significantly more organized.
The Results
We had 50 bookings in 2022, elevated our client experience, reached a higher level of professionalism, and are now faster at moving along our 7-step client journey.
5. Taking TikTok Seriously
The What
This is about posting with consistency, while embracing creative freedom. I use the app to learn about the world, to grow as a creative, and to share pieces of my life and interests.
The Why
The primary intention for me was to get out of my comfort zone, as well as explore a tool that I wanted to master.
The Results
By the end of 2022, I had created more than 297 videos, gained a total of 1431 followers, made new friends and amazing discoveries, and fine-tuned my For You Page (FYP), where I learn something amazing every single day. If you want to start your TikTok journey, read this blog post.
6. More Self-Portraits
The What
I was able to do self-portrait sessions, whether for birthdays or for creative projects.
The Why
This was about nurturing self-love and expanding my creativity. But this was also about putting myself in front of the lens, in order to offer my clients a better experience when I am behind the lens, as their photographer.
The Results
I experienced growth in my creativity, while feeling more anchored in my love for who I was created to be. I was also able to create a video series called Back-in-Time, a full vlog reflecting on the experience, as well as an extensive 4 to 8-preset collection, which you purchase and start having fun with today.
7. Drink More Water
The What
I carry a bottle of water everywhere, I drink whenever I’m thirsty, with no pressure to finish a certain number of ounces per day.
The Why
I wanted to go from strongly disliking drinking water to getting in the habit of hydrating properly, and living a healthier life.
The Results
My hair, skin and body are happier, and I enjoy drinking water now.
Some of these practices got me amazing and powerful results, some simply added more sparkle to my life. What matters is having goals and objectives, and finding intentional ways to walk towards them each day/week
