Don’t Do This When You’re Overwhelmed
“I’m ready to just burn it all down.”
This is one of the most common reactions to feeling overwhelmed — especially with the end of the year in sight. You want to just throw out your commitments, blow up your routine, and start all over.
That’s the only way to get a fresh start, right?
Believe me — as a dad to three boys AND as a small business owner — I very much understand the impulse.
But “burning it all down” is rarely the best move, even if your current approach is unsustainable at the moment.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, promise me you’ll do ONE small thing before pouring on the gasoline and lighting the match:
Reflect on the good things worth saving.
Without a thorough examination, you can’t determine:
- What specifically needs to change? . . . “ALL THE THINGS” is not specific!
- What went right for you this year? . . . I promise you a few things did.
- What’s worth celebrating? . . . Even if it’s just that you’re still standing.
When you burn it all down in frustration, you miss the beauty that has been mixed in with the chaos. You miss the opportunities for growth. The morale-boosting wins. The hard-earned lessons.
You don’t need to burn it all down.
» You need a system for sorting through the mess so you can keep what’s working and get clear on what’s next.
That’s why the first part of the Plan Your Year workbook is called Celebrate and Reflect.
It’s a chance to not only remind yourself of your accomplishments over the last year, but also to pinpoint the biggest challenges and frustrations so you can identify opportunities for change.
Then, in parts 2-3, you channel those findings into a clear, concrete plan that will keep you focused on the things that truly matter most to you throughout the upcoming year.
Part 2: Identify
- Known Events and Milestones Happening This Coming Year
- Dream: Events and Projects
- Dream: Goals and Desired Outcomes
Part 3: Plan
- Your Themes for 2025
- Focus and Edit
- Plan Your Year: Get Maximum Clarity for Each Month
Don’t just burn it all down and start from scratch.
You’ll get my simple and fun system that helps you actually choose what you can and will focus on for the upcoming year (instead of overcommitting yourself once again).
There’s also a new bonus section to help business owners review and reflect on what’s going well — and what’s not — in their business right now.
Oh! And the best part?
You don’t have to do it alone if you don’t want to.
On December 10 and 11, I am hosting a live-online workshop for everyone who grabs a copy of Plan Your Year. (This workshop alone is a $99 value, and we’re including it for free.)
During these two Zoom sessions, I will guide you through the workbook and show you how to get the most out of it (in addition to answering your questions).
Normally we charge $99 for these types of workshops, but you get to join for free!
The online workshop is included at no additional charge with your copy of the Plan Your Year workbook (just $49 right now).
P.S. Of course, you don’t have to join us for the live workshop. It’s an optional special bonus for anyone who wants to be there.
The PYY workbook also comes with on-demand video walkthroughs for you if you want to go through them on your own time or can’t make the scheduled times!