5 Things to Remember in 2023
Hey girl!
Today marks the 2nd day of 2023 and guess what?! You’ve made it!
Firstly, take a quick look in the mirror and say to yourself ‘I’m proud of you!’ Now that you’ve done that, here are 5 things that I’d like for us to never forget as we into this new year.
#1: Be Authentic…
And always stay true to yourself and your brand. I know it sounds cliché but no, really, it always pays off in the end. Persons get to know you for you, and it makes things like collaborating and partnering seamless. Let me add some context - In the middle of 2022, I felt like something needed to be done with SMWEC. Even though others were cheering me on, I still felt as though there was a need for me to add some more flavor to the lemonade. And would you believe that shortly after, Payce Digital reached out for SMWEC to become the official partner for the Barbados pop-up season?! I was ecstatic that such a large, reputable corporation was interested in partnering with my brand so of course I accepted, and the rest was history!
#2: Believe in Yourself…
Even when you have a bit of fear or self-doubt. So let’s be real - Although you know that you’re confident that you’re knowledgeable about your field/industry, I’m sure that you sometimes experience imposter syndrome and feel like “chickening out”. I felt like this in 2022. As a matter of fact, I felt like this way before 2022. But, what I’ve realized is the times you still move forward with fear, those are the times that become the best of your life. Case in point, I was asked by Rotaract Club of Barbados to sit on a panel about Personal Branding and Business Etiquette. And girl, I was scared and second guessed joining the panel. But it worked out perfectly and I received so many great reviews.
#3: Surround yourself…
With like-minded individuals and be intentional with what you want. Forming close relationships with persons who bring positivity to your life in necessary in this life. You also must decide that you will do everything in your power (good actions only) to achieve your goals. Waiting for the “perfect” or “right” time isn’t going to cut it anymore. Time is passing us by, and this year is the time for us to be intentional.
#4: Take a Quick Break…
Even if it’s for a few hours and spend time with your loved ones. I haven’t had a vacation since 2017. Can you imagine?! I completed my undergrad and post grad studies right after each other and went straight into a full-time job. After losing my first job in 2020, I began brainstorming and then poof! I started SMWEC. Fast forward to earlier in 2022, I realized that I was feeling tired, and I wasn’t as productive in my tasks. I wasn’t focusing but instead of acknowledging that I was burnt out; I was getting frustrated with myself that I was “underperforming”. It’s only when a friend said to me “you sure you aren’t burnt out?” I then started thinking to myself that this may very well be the issue. Although, I was in denial when she first mentioned it - I just thought I was being lazy and needed to get up and stop complaining. When you really look at it, #femtrepreneurship is not an easy task and we have to learn to take quick breaks and relax a little. Spend some time with those you love. I started going for coffee or watching tv for a few hours to help take my mind off all that needs to be completed and I’m certainly making this a non-negotiable for 2023. You should too!
#5: Be Proud of Yourself…
And your journey and smile even when you don’t feel like it. I often look into the mirror and say to myself – “you’ve got this!” or “you’re such a cute and smart girl.” These are surely simple words but can mean so much if you let them. I would also take selfies so I can see myself and be proud of who I am becoming. If you don’t do these already, give it a try! I promise it’ll give you a boost when you’re down.
So girl, don’t forget to practice these 5 things all 2023 and even beyond this new year. My aim in this post was to share some of my experiences with you and encourage you to:
Be authentic and always stay true to yourself and your brand.
Believe in Yourself even when you have a bit of fear or self-doubt.
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and be intentional with what you want.
Take a Quick Break even if it’s for a few hours and spend time with your loved ones.
Be proud of yourself and your journey and smile even when you don’t feel like it.
I hope this post has left you encouraged and ready to take on all of what comes with these next 364 days.
Xoxo,
Christal-Ann
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