Setting goals based on YOUR life - not everyone else's

Turning 40 was a bit of an ah-ha moment for me.

Growing up, I was that quintessential teenager and twenty-something who thought she had life figured out. Urgh, right? Then I zoomed through my 30s at lightning speed, just trying to keep my head above water. Kids, job, husband, house, friends, family, pets, the list goes on and on and on.

As I entered my 40s, I unknowingly started a new phase of intention. What type of life did I want? And more importantly, how was I going to get there?

I have always been a bit of a goal setter but never one to follow through. Unfortunately, not meeting my goals became the norm, so I was rarely disappointed. I always had an excuse, and usually legitimately, why things didn't work out. I mean, life was crazy; of course, and commitments outside of my control got in the way.

Maybe my problem wasn't that I was setting goals that I couldn't reach, but perhaps I was setting goals that didn't fit the life I had.

And then, like a light switch - stop being so hard on yourself.

I started putting pen to paper and being intentional with my decision-making. Yes, I wanted to start my own business, but the goal wasn't completely financial. My dream would be to get it off the ground, build something to be proud of, and help some people along the way. If I could get through that, the financial part would come. When Purple Lilac Digital Media was just a name written on a Post-It, I was confident that there was a need for affordable & ethical social media management and website design in the Annapolis Valley. I have always had a knack for social media and a firm understanding of what it takes to run a small business, but to pull the trigger was a whole other ball game. So, one day in early 2021, I sat down and wrote my expectations for the next three months, the next year and the next five years. It's all about baby steps and setting reasonable expectations.

So here I sit, six months into officially launching Purple Lilac Digital Media. Am I proud of what I've done? Check. Have I helped people along the way? Check. And I've learned a heck of a lot too!

For me, digital media for small businesses feels like home. How lucky am I to help eager entrepreneurs with big dreams connect with the online world? Sure I have big plans for Purple Lilac, but I will get there eventually. Antiques weren't built in a day. So, be easy on yourself. See your accomplishments for what they are and keep picking away.

Remember, when you think about your digital media strategy, it's important to consider your goals. What are your intentions with your platforms? Do you want to establish your brand? Do you want to have more reach? Do you want to look more professional and polished? Once you know what you want to do, it's time to take the required steps to get there. You have to know where the finish line is before you can head in the right direction.