As 2022 begins to wrap up, it’s time to set goals and resolutions for 2023. Along with that, it’s time to reflect on what happened in our business this year- our highs and lows, what we’ve learned, what we enjoyed.

In order to set our business up for success in 2023, we have to do some “housekeeping” in 2022. Think of it as decluttering your business – taking only the essential and leaving the rest behind.

With that being said, here are 7 questions I am asking myself to set my business and vision up for success in 2023:

1. What brought me joy this year?

When was I completely lost in my work? Waking up before my alarm in excitement about a project? Wanting to stay up late to experiment or try something new? Obsessed over a client project?

For me, this was creating Perfectly Nineties and Editor’s Note. I couldn’t wait to wake up and get started on each of these families – creating them was pure joy!

Do more of these things. Find ways to incorporate them more in your business foundation in 2023. Make them a part of your core so you can find more joy in what you do – leading to a more sustainable business practice. 

2. What created stress this year? 

What did I dread the most? What processes or tasks were constantly being put off? What projects drained my energy? Where & when did I experience burnout this year?

3. What can be delegated?

On your stress list answered above, what processes or tasks can be delegated to someone else?

Before you say you can’t afford to, look at your accounts and actually confirm that’s true. You’d be surprised by how much help you can actually afford (especially when that help creates revenue).

Check UpWork or Fiverr if you need help on a budget.

4. What worked this year?

Where did you grow? What projects did you love? What went well?

Determining what has historically worked is the easiest way to figure out what to keep doing. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!

Here’s how I’m doing this with my Instagram account.

5. What didn’t work this year? 

Either stop doing these things completely, or analyze why they didn’t work and fix them.

6. What was the single biggest driver of growth in my business this year?

There will be multiple things – pick just one!

Did Instagram bring the most inquiries? Was it your blog? What types of products sold the most?

Find that one thing and make that your priority for next year. It’ll change the game.

7. What would it look like to snap my fingers and have my dream business/life?

What would your day look like? Your team? Your revenue? Your expenses?

How does your mind and body feel about that? Do you have more structure? What does that structure look like inside & outside of work? Where do you have new boundaries? 

Immerse yourself in that and feel every bit of what it would be like to be true. Pretend it’s already true.

Then do the things. “Act as if.” 

With these questions, I hope you can take some time to look back at 2022 and figure out what stays here, and what comes with you into 2023!

– Jen