There's an activity I did with my clients during our annual retreat last month called "What are you committing to leave behind in 2020?" that I want to share with you because I think it is a great way to set yourself up for success at the start of a new year.
There are probably some new projects in 2021 that you are excited for? I know I am excited to launch my Lean Out Your Business Podcast this quarter! Maybe you want to create a planner, launch a new program, write a book?
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success for anything new is to create the space for it. This helps avoid overwork and overwhelm.
Anytime I take on a new project, like the launch of my podcast, I always look at what I am going to let go of to create space for it.
It’s easy to be excited for new things but it can often be difficult to let go of what you’re already doing, even when it's not working.
But it is essential that you do this when you want to run a lean business. It helps you avoid burn out and sets you up for success.
So, here's the activity you can do.
First, specify what you want to create space for in 2021:
- What do you want to add to your business?
- What do you want to do in your personal life?
- Why are those things important?
Then it's time to determine what you will be leaving behind in 2020.
Start by evaluating what's working and what isn't in your business - this could be the activities you do, your current offers, the people and groups you surround yourself with, and your habits and mindset.
For the things that are working, determine which ones align with where you want to take your business in 2021 and which ones will no longer serve you in the new year.
Our free CHuCK template can help with this activity - you can get it inside the private Facebook Group under the Units tab.
Once you are clear on what is not working or in alignment with your vision and goals for 2021:
- Capture what you commit to leaving behind in 2020
- Take a few moments to thank each of these things / people / experiences for their lessons and for helping get you where you are today…
- Then release them and let them go
When I had my retreats in person, everyone would create 2 lists - one to keep to remind them throughout the year what they committed to leaving behind, and the other we would burn (outside) to symbolize letting them go.
Maybe there is something you can do to symbolize letting go of everything that isn't going to help you achieve your next level and create the space you need for new opportunities?
Here is an editable template you can use with some common habits and mindset beliefs that people commit to leaving behind.
👉 Create your own list with the free Canva template I created for you
Use the template as a starting place. Replace the list with what you commit to leave behind, integrate your brand colors, etc.
If you share it on social, be sure to tag me @cristagrasso so I can see what you posted and reshare it.
Wishing you so much success and happiness in the new year! Bring on 2021!
by Crista Grasso
Crista Grasso is the go-to strategic planning expert for leading global businesses and online entrepreneurs when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and focus on optimizing the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She specializes in helping businesses gain clarity on the most important things that will drive maximum value for their clients and maximum profits for their business. She is the creator of the Lean Out Method, 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.
