By: Katarina Kovacevic
There is a reason for each season. I believe that our bodies are built to naturally react in certain ways to specific seasons. The sun, the weather and the length of days—they all have an affect on us. That’s why I use the seasons to guide my annual business planning. So, let’s dive into how you can start the New Year off strong with some winter mindfulness.
Real quick, though: This philosophy won’t be a fit for everyone, either because of differing personalities or points-of-view, or because your work circumstances just might not allow for an alternative flow. So please, take this all with a grain of salt. It might not be doable for you, but I hope there’s at least something you can take away from it.
Early Winter (December – January)
Early winter is the darkest time of year, perfect for resting and reflecting on what worked well in your business this past year and what you can improve upon in the coming one. You can embrace the stillness of this season by just dreaming up your next big goals—writing in your journal, meditating on them, even just thinking about them when a fit of brainstorming inspiration strikes—knowing there will be plenty of time to set them in stone later on.
You’re probably reading this and thinking, “Great, Katarina, thanks. But it’s already January and I’ve done none of this.” Well, you know what? That’s OK! Contrary to what we’ve all been taught, you don’t need to do all of this brainstorming and planning before December 31st. You should have taken that time to just enjoy your end-of-year and the holiday season…all of that hard work you did! I hope you took the time to wrap-up 2019, without focusing on (or stressing out about) 2020.
In early winter, it’s all about dreaming up new dreams, but not feeling the pressure to make them “official” yet. For me, this is when ideas are swirling around in my head and sometimes get scribbled down into a notebook to come back to when I’ve had time to recharge and refocus.
Late Winter (February – March)
By late winter, the days are getting visibly longer and, here in Gilbert and the rest of the Phoenix area, there are new signs of life out in nature. The weather is pretty much perfect this time of year and we’re beginning to wake-up after a restful period. We’re likely bursting with new ideas by now.
So, this is your chance to set goals or intentions, and start mapping out a plan for reaching those goals. Start the behind-the-scenes work and refine what needs to be changed on the back end, so that you’re well equipped to launch the new projects or initiatives come springtime.
On a personal note, I don’t set “resolutions” for the New Year until well after January 1st. Typically, I visit these ideas after I’ve returned to work for at least two weeks after the holiday season. This really allows me to soak in the holiday vibes and then slowly ease back into the “real world,” which, we all know, can be a rough transition. So, why make our lives more difficult than they need to be?
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Katarina Kovacevic is the owner of Redefined Communications, a company offering blogging and ghostwriting services for women in leadership, and female-focused and purpose-driven businesses. She’s also the founder and editor of RUBY Media, a digital media company that promotes female camaraderie, supports sisterhood and inspires women to make a difference in the world. You can connect with Katarina on Instagram or LinkedIn, or with RUBY on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.