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Every year since late 2010 I have picked a word for the New Year as a beacon to guide me through the coming 12 months. The word is usually based on what I’ve experienced in the past year, as well as what I am looking to be, do, feel and stand for in the next.
2011 was discipline. 2012 was leap, and 2013 was refine. 2014’s word was “own.”
For 2015, I’m choosing “balanced profitability.”
Yes, it’s more of a phrase than a word, but it’s oh-so-fitting for where I am looking to go right now.
Simply put: balance as in work-life balance, and profitability as in cut more expenses and bring in more revenue.
Here’s what it means to me:
First, balance wasn’t even in my vocabulary for the first 5 years of me being in business. I’d heard the cheeky saying “balance is for ballerinas” and pretty much agreed.
In truth, I was in an unhappy marriage and was happily spending all of my time escaping that situation with work. I was knocking it out of the park and making really good money–while avoiding dealing with many of my relationship issues–and that for me was enough.
Fast forward to this past winter, when I finally left that marriage and moved out. I then promptly fell in love, and my sweetie and I began spending a TON of time together. Honestly, it made me panicky. I was taking time away from my business, and after devoting so much time to it, it made me very nervous.
My friends saw it differently, praising me for allowing more fun into my life for once.
I realized this was a BIG lesson for me.
I now see that this relationship was “sent” to me to teach me how to have a life AND a business.
I am still learning, and that’s why this coming year I want to get even better at this “balance” thing.
As for profitability, this is something you strive for all the time as a business owner, of course. But a mentor of mine recently remarked that “growth sucks cash,” and I have to agree.
There’s a dance that goes on between continuing to grow, and keeping a healthy profit margin.
I already have several measures in place to ensure that healthy margin is there in 2015 and beyond, and I’ll continue to work at it.
That’s what’s going to guide me in 2015. How about you? I’d love for you to share with me in the comments below.
Photo credit: Bryanfranklin.com
Hi Christine, I love your word of the year. I can relate for sure. After spending, and spending and investing more in myself and my business over the past few years — especially since last years word was ‘delegate’, which comes with a cost — I chose the word ‘profit’ for 2015. I need to be more about balancing what goes out w what comes in. But then I changed my word to ‘receive’. It has a much nicer energy around it, I think, and the ability to be open to receive is something Many of us need to work on. So I am ready to receive the abundance that is my birthright in 2015 and beyond. I will continue to take the inspired action needed to grow my business but ive made the shift to understanding that working harder doesn’t equal making more money. It means serving in a bigger way and being open to accept what comes my way as a result of that service. I look forward to walking beside you in your journey this year!
Carol Ann xoxoxo
Hi Carol Ann, I LOVE this. Thank you for sharing and I’m grateful as always to be on this journey with you! xxo
Hi Christine, I also have been doing the same thing for several years now and love the idea. I find that it grounds me on the being of things. One year I picked a song (I have a dream by Abba), another year it was a color (purple), and I’ve had a year of Say Yes. For 2015 I have picked focused growth and expansion. I decided on this phrase to remind myself of why I chose to become a solopreneur and the things that I want to build and expand in my personal and professional life. Many blessings to you in the new year. Happy 2015!
Hi Librada, thank you for stopping by! I love the different ways you’ve chosen your themes! Happy new year and all the best to you.
HI Christine, Boy do I know your experience of “working” to escape the discomfort of relationship. Good story for a
big part of my life. Great details on getting to know you better. Many Blessings in 2015!
Oh Lisa, while I know it’s not fun, it’s good to know other women can relate. (And I am sure some men out there too!) I’m glad it sounds like that is in the past for you now. Happy New Year!
All the Best with you “Balancing Profitability”…
Hi Christine!
Powerful stuff as always. 🙂
You continue to be a great source of inspiration for me. You are very brave and I love watching your journey. I look forward to hearing more about your search for balance while maintaining profitability.
Susan, your comment means a lot to me! I’m honored to be an inspiration for you and if my bravery (while usually being scared sh*#^less at the same time ;-)) helps even one other person then it is worth it! I’m grateful for your long-time support and cheerleading. You are a true gem.
First of all i want to say thanks a lot for this post.