Tuck in or Clear Out: Starting Fresh in 2023
January in Missoula is gray and cold and we’re all starting to get a little over winter. The sun doesn’t show up very often and even when it does, the days are short. I am constantly pulled between tucking in with a good book or some Netflix under a big blanket for 4 weeks and going through every nook and cranny and getting rid of all of the crap I don’t want filling my life anymore. Tuck in or clear out.
This year, I’ve decided to embrace both. I am tucking in and not feeling guilt. I am leaning into rest, yoga, good food, relationships and community. Taking care of myself the way that I take care of the people around me. And at the same time, I am getting rid of the things that no longer serve me. Pan that hasn’t left my cabinet in 5 years? Gone. Torn up comforter that still works but is pretty embarrassing to show off to the world? Replaced with a FB Market find that makes me feel happy about making the bed. Toys my kids haven’t looked at for 2 years? Donated to people who will use them and love them. I’m done holding things “just in case” and I am actively investing time and a few dollars in things that make me happy.
This is spilling over into my business as well. Here’s a few ways I am freshening up my business and finances and tucking into the good things that I want to carry forward in 2023:
Cleaning out what doesn’t serve me any more. This is showing up in so many ways.
Taking care of the basics of financial clean up. Shredding old files, updating passwords, cleaning up documents. Not sure what needs to be done? Check out this post (https://www.missoulabookkeeper.com/blog/sprucing-up-your-financial-life) from last year.
Letting go of clients that are not your ideal client. I get that we are not all in the place to be choosy, but how much energy is that problem client taking from your efforts to replace them? Needy yet unresponsive? Stingy but demanding? Time-sucking goblins but so unfulfilling? Cut. Those. Assholes. Off. Make space for clients who will appreciate you and allow you to do your best work.
Creating or cleaning up my systems. In the last 2 years we have quadrupled our business, adding employees, some big clients and new services. And it's a little messy behind the curtain because our systems haven’t always grown on pace. In the first half of 2023, Missoula Bookkeeper is systemizing things more, making your experience as a client better and our lives easier.
Indulging in things that make me happy. This is not my default so it is taking a lot of intentionality. And your happiness may be very different from mine, but you should invest in it.
Reading fiction books. This may seem so simple, but I have exclusively read non-fiction for several years because it felt more “productive”. It's ok to not always be “on” and I am trying to enjoy doing something I love with no other intrinsic value. We all need a break from productivity.
Moving my body and spending time socially several times a week. I work at home and this is our craziest time of year. I can go several days and never leave the house if I’m not careful. But that makes me a shitty parent and person. I need to move my body. I need to have good conversations, listen to music, eat food in community. Those things make me a better mother, bookkeeper, human.
Making my space warm and inviting. Filling my walls with art. Finishing half-done projects in my house. Burning some incense. Getting a cat!! I love my home but I have also neglected it in the last year because of other priorities. I work here, live here, entertain here. I want it to be the space I need it to be.
This month, we will be highlighting more ways to clean up for financial and organizational life. Know that we are not dialed in all of these areas, but we are learning, growing and changing with you. Let’s focus on progress and not perfection. The last few years have been long and hard for many of us. I hope that 2023 brings you a slower pace, less chaos and more community!
Let’s start with some easy stuff, shall we?
When it comes to clearing out clutter, your mailbox and phone are the easiest places to start. With a couple of clicks, you can get rid of unsolicited junk mail, credit card offers and cold calls.
Opt out of Credit Card Offers https://www.optoutprescreen.com/
Opt out of Junk Mail: http://DMAchoice.org
Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov/
For your consideration…
Last year, we did a piece about my beloved “Go Binder” (as in, “if the house is ever on fire, please grab the yellow binder as you go!”) and it really seemed to resonate. So, by popular demand, here is the link to a little story about how I got my shit together, and a spreadsheet link so you can get yours together too.
https://www.missoulabookkeeper.com/blog/gobinder
https://www.missoulabookkeeper.com/resources
