A Time to Reflect

It has been an extremely busy year at Jigsaw Tax this year, and I always like to take a moment at the end of the year to reflect on the year that was. It is a time to congratulate myself on my achievements, consider what I could have done better and what I would like to achieve in the coming year. Perhaps you can take some time out and think about these things yourself, and write them down so that you can monitor your progress in 2015. So in order to be accountable – here goes!

Room for improvement

In 2015 I am going to improve the following things

• My health and fitness. Ok, so I think I am reasonably fit. I do go to the gym quite a bit and I try to make working out a priority, even it if it is just to relieve a bit of stress. However I can always do better. I will stop finding excuses not to exercise – it’s too hot, too cold, I’m too tired or too busy. In the words of the Nike slogan “Just do it”. I will eat more protein and less carbs, I will drink more green juices and less wine. And if I try my hardest and still cannot lose weight, I will at least know I have done all that I can.
• Take some time out for me. This is probably the most difficult thing for me to do as “me” time is my lowest priority but I think I am at a point in my life where I deserve some time to do what I want to do. Step 1 – I am going to try to take a lunch break at least twice a week and either have lunch with a friend (not for work purposes) or read my book, or go to the gym. If I get really good at Step 1, I may venture on to some things like go and see a movie (and see a girl movie), get a massage or go shopping for the fun of it.
• Get my budget in order. I can’t help it – I see an opportunity and I need to make the most of it. This year I will not be making any new investments in staff, technology or new offices until I know that the investments I have made in 2014 have paid off. The rapid growth that Jigsaw has gone through over the past year have come with its own set of growing pains, mainly cashflow stress and it would be nice to experience a little less of this in 2015. I would like to minimise the number of sleepless nights I have in 2015.
• Get more creative. 2014 has been such a busy year, I have not had the time or inclination to be creative. I love to write, but I need to be inspired to do so. I hope to spend more time writing in the New Year, and hopefully posting more blogs.
• Learn to say NO without feeling guilty. I don’t think I need to expand on this any further.

And some self-gratitude

I am really not one to “toot my own horn”, but I think this year has been one that I can be proud of. Business wise, I have made some great decisions and we have achieved amazing growth. Our clients continue to be happy with the service we provide and recommend us to other people. I have a fantastic team of people working for me who seem to genuinely like coming to work and share my vision for the practice. I have achieved a level of confidence in my own ability, I can be proud of my experience and know that I am providing my clients with an excellent service.

I have nothing to complain about. I have a great family and friends who help me to achieve my dreams and that is something I won’t take for granted in the year ahead.

The Jigsaw offices reopen on Monday 12th January 2015, so I wish you all well as our team takes a giant leap into what will be a very busy year at Jigsaw. I hope it is great for everyone.

Jigsaw Jo