First of all, a quick review of my 10 non-negotiables from the challenge and how I’m doing with each of them:

1. Business Development Fridays (No calls and no client work) – Well, this one started off a bit rocky. Mainly because my daughter was home on Spring Break and I had to adjust my schedule pretty dramatically, which meant that any development I was doing last Friday was creating different hairstyles for Barbie. That being said, I took my Business Development Day on Saturday which worked out well but kind of crushed my 3rd non-negotiable (read on). However, it was under special circumstances and so I’m letting myself slide on that one since I did make up for it.
2. Start work at 8:30 a.m. each day. – Can I just tell you this has been both the most difficult and the most rewarding so far. It’s hard to break free of old patterns but I’ve been making a conscious effort each day to stick to that starting time. Sometimes it’s closer to 9 and this morning I didn’t start until 11 because of a dr. appointment but the point is I’m making the effort and it is paying off. I feel more energized and I’m getting a ton more accomplished with the extra hour and a half in my day!
3. No work on the weekends – I’ve broken this one twice. As mentioned above, I switched my business development day to Saturday and on Sunday I had a new client approach me with an emergency project. I knew it wouldn’t take me long so I accepted and she was pleased as punch which resulted in another project. (wohoo!) – Also I took part of Monday off to make up for the working on the weekend thing.
4. Create to-do list at the end of every day for following day – Still working on this one (hangs head sheepishly).
5. Create a to-do list at the end of each week – Yes! So far so good. (High Five)
6. 1 hour max for social media each day. – This one I’ve been really good about sticking to. My time on Social Media has been focused and strategic and it has paid off as far as new connections and more time.
7. Check Emails 3x/day max – Although I haven’t specifically set “check times” with my email, I have been better about not going in constantly or leaving it open all day. I’ve tried to limit my email checking/sending time and spread it out throughout the day. So progress being made there.
8. No more than 2 hours of work per client per day. – I’d say I’m about 50/50 on this one. Making progress but need to improve.
9. Creating a schedule for business development day. – Ok, confession, did not do this last week because my week was messed up with Spring Break so I “winged it” but since my business development day this week is tomorrow I will be making that schedule today! (along with my daily to-do list).
10. Blog a minimum of 1x/week. – Ummm well, better late than never right?

Now, with all of that being said, this is what has happened in the last 2 weeks….

• I’ve attracted 2 new clients that I LOVE working with and have caught the attention of some pretty high level peeps including an Inc. 500 company and an Emmy Award winner! (Not bad for a small town girl! – and also goes to show it doesn’t matter how big your town is, it matters how big your thinking is!)
• I’ve been asked to be a contributing expert for Liberation Magazine which is a brand new magazine focused on inspiring, educating and liberating entrepreneurs to create and grow successful businesses.
• I’ve created not one but TWO free reports for new subscribers to my list -(hint hint, go ahead and sign up at the top. I’ve got some great stuff in the works for you)!
• I’ve got a rough outline for a new program that I’m developing

I’d say I’m off to a pretty good start don’t you? I’m so excited to challenge myself each day, focus on the big picture and see the rewards of my efforts. Can’t wait to see what the next two weeks bring!

So how about you? Have you joined the challenge? If not watch the video and see what it’s all about. Share your comments below and let me know how you’re doing! Can’t wait to hear about your success!

I recently returned from seeing Fabienne Fredrickson live in Chicago on her Get More Clients Workshop Tour. It was phenomenal to be in her space because I have admired and followed her teaching for so many years.

One of the biggest takeaways I got from that presentation was that in order to be successful, you have to take a NO EXCUSES APPROACH to your business. I quickly realized I wasn’t doing that. In fact, I was doing the opposite and making up every excuse in the book for why I couldn’t accomplish my business goals.

I decided enough is enough! I am putting myself through a 30 day NO EXCUSES challenge. I created a list of goals for myself that I want to achieve by the end of the 30 days starting April 1st. I’ve also created 10 Non-negotiables which I’ve listed below that I plan to adhere to in order to achieve those goals.

I’d love for you to join me in this challenge. It won’t cost you a thing. I’m not selling anything here. I just want you to join me on the road to success. The more, the merrier right? So join me for the next 30 days. Post your own non-negotiables below that you’re willing to commit to for the next 30 days and let’s see what we can do together! I’ll be checking in throughout the month to update you with my progress and I hope you will too! Ready? Set? GO!!!

Jackie’s Non-Negotiables for the next 30 Days

1. Every Friday will be Business Development Day (meaning, no calls, no client work, only me an business building activities)

2. Begin work at 8:30 a.m. every day. (I usually start my day around 10)

3. No working on weekends (This may seem counterproductive but you need to take time to recharge your batteries so you can be at your best during the week.)

4. Create a to-do list at the end of each day for the following day

5. Create a to-do list at the end of each week for the following week

6. 1 Hour Maximum of social media/day (Yikes! This is going to be my biggest challenge I think – but NO EXCUSES!)

7. Check emails no more than 3x/day

8. No more than 2 hours of work/client/day (Time tends to get away from you when you’re working on a project or researching something. By setting a time limit for each client, you can be sure everyone is getting taken care of and that you’re maximizing your work time).

9. Create a schedule for Business Development Day (i.e. 2 hour blocks of time for each activity. Mine are Learning, Marketing, Product Development and Writing).

10. Blog a minimum of 1x/week

Those are my 10 non-negotiables. What are yours?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below! Good luck and let’s create something great!