Prioritize Yourself - Rocks, Pebbles, Sand

YOU Are the Rocks
We've all heard the time management or prioritization  analogy of rocks, pebbles, and sand. Place your highest priority or key items ("rocks") into a glass jar first, intersperse with "pebbles" (slightly less critical), and finally fill in the rest with "sand" to add any "small stuff" of life. This resonates with me on many levels. 

When Are You NOT a Rock?
Admittedly, there are seasons in life. If you are a caregiver of wee ones, older generation, or anything in between, those responsibilities tend to be your biggest "rock." But make sure you are at least one of those rocks! If you don't prioritize some measure of self-care, you will not be an effective caregiver. Remember what they teach us before every airplane take-off? Mask yourself first, then others. Burn out is real. 

Lead with Your Rock Self
That aside, if you're here, you're at a time in your life to consider starting your own business adventure. You're ready to feed your soul, be an entrepreneur, strike out on your own, and learn to fly! We're here for that!

Work on Mindset
Boy, is this key!

• Self-help motivational books are a great start. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks is good as is The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. Lots of options out there. (love to hear your favorites!)
• Find motivating podcasts. Stephanie O'Dea's Slow Living is great for mindset, or search topics in your business interest. I shared mine for editors, proofreaders, and writing earlier. 
• Make a plan! Some folks like SMART goals. Others are good at brainstorming on paper or digitally. Get it out of your head.
• Actions that are small and build on each other are manageable. 
• Get training - fill in the gaps! Education is amazing to keep you motivated and build on your resume. Are you missing pieces?
  • Add to your job skills.
  • Develop your marketing skills - plenty of courses out there. I'm a fan of Louise Harnby whose ideas are more general than she promotes, but John Esperian is excellent as well. 
  • Expand your network - that's the basis of social media.
    
    • LinkedIn is especially smart for business-minded folks. 
    • There's good ol' fashioned personal contacts - Chamber of Commerce small business meet-ups, libraries may have connection groups, and vendor fairs among others.
• Maximize your time and energy. Maybe marketing, website development, or newsletters are just not in your skillset and you have no interest to take courses. Subcontract tasks! Hire someone who is skilled in the tasks you don't care for! It is a valuable use of your time as the Idea Driver. Maximize your strengths - support your weaknesses. 

Your Turn
These ideas are merely scratching the surface.

• What are your rocks?
• How do you motivate yourself?
• Any great resources to share? 

Leave a comment!

---