(No, this isn't a Mills & Boon novel)

December can be a month of extremes.  You can be incredibly busy, or quiet; burning with enthusiasm or just burnt out.  Even the extremes can change from week to week.

So, how do you find inspiration, reignite your passion, keep your motivation high, stay enthusiastic, etc., as you face another year?

1. Switch off

While I plan to do business development and forecasts and marketing strategy, because it's a time when distractions are at a minimum, I know it's important to take some time off and switch off.  (I'm not the best example of switching off, so do what I say, not what I do!)

Amazing things happen when you put distance between you and your business.  Your perspective changes, passion reignites, problems are often easily solved, and the ideas you were too busy to listen to before can come at you like a flood.

2. Go back to the roots

Remember why you originally started your business, what needs you aimed to fill, the impact you wanted to make, the outcomes you hoped for.

So often we lose track of our mission when we are stuck in 'business as usual' mode.  Recalling your business roots helps you remember why you do what you do and also provides the opportunity to realign day-to-day activities with what you want to achieve.

3. Connect with your customers

When the business starts you have much contact with the customers, but as it grows, many tasks are outsourced and so you often have much less contact.

But customers are a source of learning, where we see their needs, find patterns and identify opportunities to innovate.  Get back in touch with them.

4. Get out of 'in'

Now it's time to work on the business and put your big ideas into action.

Often it is the big picture activities and innovation plans that generate the most results so working ' on not in ' the business must have a priority in your future schedule.

Remember, it's you that is the ultimate source of energy, leadership and direction for your business.  The new year is a great time for new working habits and making changes to your schedule.

This is the last epistle from us for this year.  I hope you find our newsletters interesting/helpful/useful.

From all of us, have a great Christmas break, tolerate your relatives (they might leave you something), let the ideas flow (use alcohol if they don't), and look forward to one of your best years ever.