You might be wondering what quarterly check-ins have to do with me. Many people are perfectly happy working a regular 9 to 5 gig. Heck, some people even love it. And you might be one of them. Then there are those of us who have dreamed of and jumped into owning our own business. Or maybe you are someone who needs the benefits offered by your 9 to 5 while also pursuing your dreams on the side. Well, either way, you can do both, it just takes practice, effort, and a mindset shift. And part of that mindset is setting up quarterly check-ins for yourself. Conducting quarterly, or 3-month check-ins will allow you to take your business or career to the next level.
Gratitude: Your 9 to 5 is a Blessing
Let’s assume, yes, I know not recommended but let us play along for a moment. You may not love the job you are working at forty hours a week, but it is most likely paying your bills. Remember to be thankful for that and keep your head on straight, even on the tough days. Your quarterly check-in allows you the time to take stock of what you appreciate most about working the 9-5. Take a few moments every quarter to make a list of all that you are grateful for, the benefits you gain by working these hours. Be sure to take note of the ‘non-monetary’ benefits too.
This goes for those who are self-employed as well. In the most recent survey by Inc Magazine, employee wellness and livelihood ranked as one of the most important to be focused on. So, yes, count your blessings every quarter. This will help keep your mind focused on the positive even during the roughest of days.
Time Management: Use Your Time Wisely
Having a quarterly check-in will provide you the opportunity to identify if you are using your time wisely. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in their day, your job (hopefully) only takes up eight of those. Use what is left of your time wisely. Plan your days in advance and stack items so you can make the most of everything. Long commute? Listen to an audiobook or podcast that fuels your passions. Make every minute count. Every 3-months you make the time to ensure that you are doing exactly that – counting the minutes and ensuring they are being put to the best use. You can identify distractions and make plans to remedy and eliminate the distractions.
Efficiency: Lay Bricks Daily
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they laid bricks daily. When you you’re your quarterly check-in you can double check that you are in fact taking steps daily toward your goals. You can make sure you aren’t wasting time with useless tasks like cleaning out deleted emails or double-checking something you have already triple checked. Make your to-do list count.
Outsource: Stay in Your Lane
If there is a task you are absolutely no good at and you can afford to have someone else, do it (think coding a website), then outsource it. During your 3-month check-ins you can identify the tasks you hate and/or are bad at and then set a goal to have someone else do the work in potentially half the time. Focus on tasks you are good at and can accomplish on your own. When needed, call in reinforcements.
Multi-Tasking: 9 to 5 and Dream Building
Your 9 to 5 is paying your bills, and you’re thankful. Does that mean you don’t hate the job, no! Use it as a reminder in the late hours of the night when you are working on building your dream. Annoying coworker? Use him or her as a reminder why you want to build a company with a better work culture. Reminders are everywhere, you just need to find them. During your 3-month check-ins you can create a reminder list of why you are burning the candle at both ends!
As we mentioned in the beginning, no matter which career goals you are going after, conducting quarterly check-ins will allow you to take your business or career to the next level. These are just 5 reasons to set them, keep them, and follow through with them.
I would love to be your quarterly check-in go to person. Reach out to me today!