Written by: Alice Dartnell, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Spring is typically the season that symbolizes change and new opportunities. With the days growing longer, the warming of the weather and a sense of freshness in the air, it’s no wonder we start to feel more bounce in our step!
For busy entrepreneurs, this season can also be an invitation to step into action! We feel the excitement, we’re ready to come out of hibernation and we have a bunch of ideas we want to get going with (especially if it has suddenly dawned on us that a couple months of the calendar year have already whizzed by!)
As a coach and expert in time management, I understand that this can also bring about its own set of challenges. I often hear from my clients that they are ready to take action as we spring into Spring but don’t know where to start. The first step is often the hardest right?
If you the type of business owner (like my clients are) that are “find it hard to get into the zone but once I am there, I am good” then this is the article for you, as we will look at five practical tips to help you spring into action and make the most of this vibrant season.
1. Start small, break it down
The thing I get any client to do when they have big meaty goals that they are striving to accomplish is to break it down! So simple but always overlooked! You must break down your overarching goals into actionable steps. We often procrastinate because we don’t know where to start… so we don’t start at all!
And small can never be too small! Your initial first steps might be just to brainstorm or speak to someone who might have insight about your goal.
2. Harness the energy of spring through energy management
When thinking about the first steps and getting off the starting block, think about how are you going to navigate the next chapter and how are you going to manage your energy?
As I advocate, time management isn’t just about managing your time but your energy too. I’ve also noticed that most of us live life through “chapters” and each chapter require a different energy and therefore a different method of managing it. For example, maybe the next chapter as you embark on your goal requires a ‘creative energy.’ How are you going to harness that?
3. What is the identity and mindset you need?
Often the thing stopping you getting off the starting blocks is… you! I know, hard truth bomb, but the number of times the thing stopping my clients has been themselves. Before we have dived into an action plan, the thing we have had to work on is their mindset and identity. This is particularly important in the world of entrepreneurship because as Dr. Joe Dispenza advocates, ‘you have to believe it before you see it’!
So, as you switch seasons, feel the spring in your step and plan how to take actions, first think about what is the identity and mindset you need. what is going to make you feel empowered to start taking action?
4. Create an action plan and time block
Creating a road map to know how to get to where you want to can be the fun and creative part of taking action. The sticky bit after that? Sticking to it! One of the best time management tactics I can suggest is “time blocking” – aka scheduling in the time to take action by literally blocking this time out in your calendar! Now you don’t just have an idea of what to do but have committed to future you when you are going to do it. This is very powerful!
5. Thrive together with accountability and support
In entrepreneurship, accountability and support are paramount. I truly believe success doesn’t come alone! Even coaches have coaches, join masterminds and seek out accountability buddies (shout out to Amani, my accountability buddy). Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals fuels motivation to get you off the starting block but also allows you to see where you are going off track, navigate challenges, and celebrate your wins. This is exactly what we do within my accountability group membership, “The Accountability Circle.”
As Sue B said “Supportive. Safe space. Friendly. Non-judgemental. Informative. Sharing ideas. I have loved being part of this group!” Find out more here.
Seize the season and spring into action
As we spring into spring, embrace new beginnings and opportunities! Remember, starting small, managing energy effectively, cultivating the right mindset and identity, blocking out time for your action plans and seeking your ‘success team’ through accountability are going to be key ingredients to propel you and your actions forward.
So as you switch seasons, spring Into action with these five practical tips and make the most of this vibrant season.
Alice Dartnell, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alice Dartnell is a time management and energy management coach, trainer, speaker, and author, who is passionate about empowering people to create a life by design, not by default! Known as an expert in time management and energy management, Alice doesn’t teach time management in the traditional sense. Instead, she focuses on importance of energy management and mindset as the way to improve time management. Alice believes that time management actually isn’t about managing time! Instead, it is about managing you, other people, your tasks and most importantly, your energy! She works with individuals on a 121 basis, as well as through programmes, workshops, and courses. Additionally, she delivers training to org
