Rina Risper, Publisher & President of The New Citizens Press and Dara Mayhoe, Co-Owner of Wiseman Tree Service having lunch to talk about business plans for the upcoming year.
TNCP Photo
During the winter, reacquaint yourself with the things that you love to do.
Photo by Burst/Pexels
By Rina Risper, President & Publisher
October is the time to make a personal plan as you would in business.
Make sure that you remain grounded with business friends and other supportive associates. Check on them during the holidays.
October is the time to make a personal plan as you would in business.
Hello lovelies!
As the seasons shift, it presents a golden chance to introspect, recalibrate, and strategize. The colorful transformation of leaves in October is nature’s reminder of the approaching chilly days, cold hands and warm hearts. I love this transformative phase. Now is the best time to address unfinished tasks from the year and crystallize our aspirations for the upcoming months. Snow is definitely going to hit the Midwest this winter.
Seizing the idea that October is the new month for resolutions momentum, we can channel the year’s concluding months to get in tune with our goals for the upcoming year. It’s akin to sprucing up your living space in anticipation of visitors. Organizing now paves the way for a refreshing and motivated start to 2024, rather than a cacophony of chaos.
October, in particular, offers a window to assess your ambitions, pledges, and duties before the holiday hustle intensifies. Analyze your planner and task lists, distinguishing between what genuinely enriches your life and what merely amplifies tension. This assessment will guide you to gracefully conclude or shift pending endeavors and commitments.
It might also be prudent to acquire and set up your 2024 planner. Mark any significant engagements or travels slated for the next year, providing a visual of potential gaps for new opportunities or designated downtime. Put your birthdays and important dates in your calendar and remember to add some positive mantras in a blank spot for each month.
Some things to do
Even though I have been celebrating October as the new new year, I often fall short of this list that will continue to grow over the years. It is difficult to remember everything, especially since there is so much activity going on in the world. However, your castle is wherever you live so make it easy to find things by having a checklist. Feel free to add things to your to-do list.
– Do a closet clean-out – Go through your clothes and accessories and put away summer items you won’t need. Donate or sell what you don’t use anymore to declutter.
– Get your home ready – Clean out gutters, check the weather stripping around doors and windows, service the furnace, stock up on rock salt or snow melt products, etc. Make any needed repairs before winter weather hits.
– Prep your vehicle – Get your car winterized with a tune-up, oil change, new wipers, tire check, battery test. Stock emergency supplies like a shovel, blankets, flashlights, snacks, etc.
– Clean out the trunk of your car while you are preparing your vehicle. If you can get your vehicle detailed or do it yourself.
– Update your wardrobe – Shop for and purchase warmer coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots if needed. Look for insulating and waterproof materials. Donate to organizations that distribute clothing and other items for free. If you are ambitious, sell your items on ebay, Facebook Marketplace or at your last garage sale.
– Tend the yard – Do fall landscaping, clear dead plants, rake leaves, fertilize lawns, drain/store hoses, etc. Consider covering sensitive plants to protect from frost and snow. Also if your own your own home, check your trees for dead branches, they are usually the first to fall from a heavy load of snow.
– Check supplies – Make sure you have plenty of warm blankets, scrapers, a small rechargeable vacuum cleaner, paper towels, pens and paper, snow brushes, etc. Stock up on cold weather comfort foods and ingredients for warm drinks. Leave a couple of granola bars in your car.
– Review insurance – Contact your agent to be sure you have adequate coverage for winter weather damage.
– Schedule maintenance – Book furnace cleaning, check your ductwork if you live in an older home, clean your ductwork out with a vacuum, clean your fan blades, chimney sweeping, gutter cleaning, and any other winter-specific maintenance. Be sure that your shovels are winter ready and carry a broom in the car for those days when a small car brush is not working well.
SAD is real
To infuse more joy into your home or office, consider adding pops of color with decorative cushions, art, or indoor plants. Incorporating colorful curtains or drapes, accent rugs, or even vibrant pottery can also make a significant difference. Lighting plays a crucial role too; use warmer tones for a cozy feel or fairy lights for a whimsical touch.
Lastly, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real concern during the colder months. It’s a form of depression that coincides with seasonal changes, typically intensifying in fall and winter. To combat this, strive to expose yourself to natural light, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and engage in physical activity. Consider investing in a light therapy box, which mimics sunlight, to help alleviate symptoms. Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or persistently down, it’s essential to seek professional help or counseling. Taking proactive steps to maintain your mental well-being during these colder months is paramount.
October’s clarity allows for addressing pending matters, trimming non-essentials, and charting the path ahead. It ensures that you can wholly savor the festive season and greet 2024 with mindfulness, intent, and tranquility. Picture it as nourishing the ground in fall, preparing it for a prosperous year ahead.
We sometimes forget where we are going. People, places and things take us off track. We allow ourselves to be distracted. It is important to amend and complete our sentences. Be mindful that we are still healing.
Thank you.
Rina Risper
