Ahhhhh.

That’s how I felt on my workation in the Black Hills of South Dakota toward the end of September. Relaxed, refreshed, rejuvenated, relieved.

Ahhhhh!

…And that’s how I feel now that I’m back.

Just kidding. I did enjoy some lovely time away, and fortunately, the effect is lingering.

However, I do have plenty to do… and, with another trip on the horizon, not much time to do it!

Let’s get to it. Here are my monthly highs, lows, and key learnings.

September Highs

I’m gaining focus and traction in my business.

For example:

• My first podcast interview went live! Click here to listen to (or read) my insight on “5 Tricks for Writing Ad Copy That Works.”
• I booked three new projects. After following up with some older prospects, I was surprised (and delighted) that a few actually bit!
• I had a great workation. My husband Troy and I spent a week at my family cabin in the Black Hills, working and dreaming during the day, walking and winding down at night.

I purchased two awesome business courses.

I’ve been targeted for #allthecourses ever since I started my business, but this month, two really caught my eye (and my money):

• Creative Business Accelerator: I’m a big Hilary Rushford fan, so when she opened the doors to CBA — at her lowest price ever ($197) — I felt compelled to buy. And so far, it’s been incredible. I spent much of my time in the Black Hills rethinking my entire business strategy and am so excited about where I’m headed.
• The Instagram Lab: I’m also a Jenna Kutcher fan (who isn’t?), and I especially admire her approach to Instagram. With my brand photography session coming up this month, I’ve been more seriously considering my own IG strategy, so this course seemed timely to take. (That, and I think I was a little “course happy” after having just purchased CBA. ) I haven’t really started TIL yet, but I’m hopeful it’ll help me connect with more potential clients on the ‘Gram!

I got to watch some fun golf.

Never thought that’d be a “high” of mine, but that’s what marriage does, I guess.

In September:

• Troy played in his favorite tournament of the year, and his parents came down from Duluth to watch with me.
• I tagged along as Troy and my brother Kyle played in a state golf tournament together (and even watched Kyle make a hole in one!).
• The Sanford International (or, as Troy calls it, “the great Sioux Falls family reunion”) came to town, and we spent a few days watching some familiar senior golfers — and bumping into many more familiar local faces.

September Lows

Honestly, not much!

I guess I could dig deep to come up with some low points from September… but why?

Instead, I’ll share a few business-y things I’m hoping to improve upon in October and beyond:

• My content strategy: With so much I want to do — blog, Instagram, Pinterest, maybe even a podcast — I need to determine where to focus my efforts.
• My business finances + taxes: For starters… what are they? Where are they? When are they?
• My time management: Inspired by Atomic Habits (see “Tool” below), I’m trying to improve my daily routine to boost my productivity, energy, and work / life balance — especially with some travel and the holidays quickly approaching.

Tip / Trick / Tool of the Month

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for input.

On my workation in the Black Hills, while going through my CBA course, one of Hilary’s exercises encouraged us to brainstorm our gifting by asking our communities what they would ask us for advice on.

So, vulnerably, I did. I literally asked my Instagram followers what they think I’m good at. (And promptly wanted to crawl into a hole.)

But I’m glad I did, because I got a lot of compliments that not only made me feel all fuzzy, but also helped me see, with even greater clarity, what I am good at — what I’m actually called to. (In short, language and connection. More revealed later.)

If you’re ever at a crossroads in your career, if you’re ever uncertain about how or whether to make a decision, or if you’re ever down and need a little pick-me-up…

Why not ask your community for a hand?

Your friends, family, and colleagues know you better than anyone. Consider their words with discernment, but do consider them.

Too many of us go through life without really reflecting on it — let alone letting our communities in. Cringe-y Instagrams and all!

Trick: Take easier screenshots on iPhone

Another high from September — I (finally) got a new iPhone! Among its many perks, I’ve discovered a cool new trick: Back Tap.

With iOS 14, you can simply double (or triple) tap the back of your iPhone 8 or later and immediately take a screenshot, trigger accessibility actions, and more.

To set this up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.

Tool: Atomic Habits

(A bit of a stretch, but if you think of James Clear’s entire habit-forming framework as a “tool”… well, just go with it.)

I’ve had Atomic Habits on my desk, literally staring me in the face, all year. But it wasn’t until my Black Hills workation that I finally cracked the spine.

And the book does live up to its hype! If you’re interested in breaking a bad habit, building a good one, or just self-improvement in general:

• Buy the book
• Buy the Habit Journal
• Get the free weekly newsletter (which I highly recommend!)
• Read the free articles
• Sign up for the free 30-day email course

Okay, that’s a wrap for September.

Thanks for being here. I appreciate you!

Favorite Photos from September 2021