Savvy & Sparkling

While this month is full of sparkle and pinks, dazzle and dreams, I ask, are you being your own, best Valentine? Can you count on yourself for a passionate pep talk?

These sweet sentiments don’t just impact our personal lives. What’s the most important relationship in your business? It’s the one with yourself. You are the CEO of your life.

This week, I’m sharing ideas and questions to add both sparkle and savvy to how you lead your business. What does it mean to be your own, best V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E? First, I invite you to bring the fun: print this (on purple paper?), create a colorful card featuring one word, or draw vibrant letters, add one question in markers, crayon, red lipstick - whatever sparks your imagination.

Most of all, use this as an excuse, an opportunity, a reason to start loving on yourself, and watch how it ripples across your life and business.

V - Vision. What images do you hold of your ideal future? What are you doing in that scene? Where are you? Who are you with? See it and speak it, every day. Bring your future into your present. (If you need the science behind this concept, look up the Reticular Activating System, your internal filter, defined by you.)

A - Age is an Asset. With years of experience comes a finely tuned intuition, wisdom you can’t find in a book: the ability to spot genuine (or not) a mile away, valuable evidence that you can handle and learn from, anything that comes your way. Let your knowledge and skills work for you.

L - Let Go. Say goodbye to terrible stories you’ve carried for twenty years, words some random college student, confused family member, or coworker spoke to you without a thought. What is one thing, one habit, you can release today? Stop the second-guessing, and turn your focus toward tomorrow’s opportunities.

E - Energy. What energy do you bring to your day, to your creative ideas, to your customers? Joy, optimism, possibility? Fear, confusion, and doubt? What excites you to start your day, to open your office door? What, and who, drains your energy (see above, Let Go)? What do you want more of this year? Define it, dream it, and declare your…

N - Next Steps. Stay in motion. On the challenging days, take a breath and decide, what’s one thing, one small step you can do to move forward? Call a friend, book the appointment, read an inspiring chapter. One small step moves you forward, and maybe tomorrow you’ll be ready for a bigger step.

T - Trust. Have your own back. Trust that you are capable, a problem solver, and that you’ll bounce back. What if it all works better than you ever imagined? When things don’t go as planned, trust you’ll figure it out. Today’s decision isn’t forever; you can always make a new one.

I - Invest in Yourself. Support your brain and body. Take time to rest, to turn off the screens, to be in the quiet. (Yes, ten minutes, if that’s what you have.) Elevate your energy with a walk around the block, down the street, or to the park. Open yourself up to beauty: the sunrise, friendship, the purring kitty, the caring family member. Self care is real, it matters - especially now - and it’s uniquely defined by you. What is one non-negotiable way you will invest in yourself this month?

N - Nurture Your Creative. Set aside time for your hobby, your passions, something you love to do. Bake the cake, play the guitar, plant the flowers, paint the picture, write, or read the book. Finding moments to reflect and relax isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s what allows your mind to breathe. This is where the problem-solving happens: the next idea, the solution, the workaround. Allow the answers to percolate, to rise to the surface.

E - Elevate Your Everyday. (One of my favorites!) Turn ordinary moments, routine activities, into a treat for yourself. Pick a unique glass for water; choose a different cup for coffee or tea (Tip: the cups don’t require handles). Pack a festive napkin in place of a plain white square or paper towel. Wear the crazy socks. Enjoy a plate or a colorful bowl for snacks, use a cutting board, or a fun tray. (I snagged a vintage tray out of my Mother’s basement.) These don’t need to be new purchases; they’re likely right in front of you. What’s one simple thing you can alter to upgrade your routine?

Each day, consider the message you’re sending yourself. Remind yourself that you’re special, you are loved (by you), and you are on your way!