I’m not here for the “work now, live later” grind. I’m here for something better – a business that fuels my life, not the other way around. This is about building a business on your terms, a business that enhances your life instead of taking it over.
And what’s the secret? When I map out my year, I design my calendar backward: lifestyle first, business second.
It’s about work-life integration, not balance. Forget trying to tip-toe across some tightrope of “work-life balance” – this is about designing a life where you can thrive in business and be present for what really matters.
Step One: Plan Around the Moments That Matter
Before I even think about projects or client work, I set my non-negotiables in stone. Family birthdays, holidays, time for myself – these go in first. Why? Because these are the moments you’ll remember when the dust settles. They’re the heartbeat of why we work so hard.
Step Two: Lock in Self-Care Rituals
I add my self-care essentials – whether it’s my fitness routine or monthly timeouts for personal growth and business planning/reflection. These aren’t extras; they’re fuel for everything else. If we can’t take care of ourselves, how can we lead others or create a business that really works?
Step Three: Structure Your Work to Support Your Life
When I add work commitments, I create space. I don’t just book client meetings and leave it there. I schedule preparation, downtime, travel, and transition time. Why? Because nothing drains you faster than a packed day with no room to breathe, let alone deliver your best.
For 2025, I’m excited to embrace a new approach to my travel schedule, thanks to Maree McPherson and Repa Patel, who introduced me to the concept of slow travel. Instead of rushing in and out of destinations, I’ll be taking a little extra time – space to enjoy and truly experience each place. This new rhythm allows me to stay focused, enjoy the journey, and arrive more refreshed.
Step Four: Make Profitability Non-Negotiable
Once you know your available client revenue generating / delivery days, divide your target annual revenue goal by those days to get your target daily rate. This is about working smart – choosing projects and clients that support both your life and your financial goals. It means you can stop saying “yes” to everything and start choosing with purpose.
Need help calculating? Access my Pricing Formula™ to get clear on the rates that truly serve you.
Building a business by design is not some fluffy ideal. It’s a roadmap to sustainable success, a plan that lets you make a real impact without burnout. Imagine a life where you’re more than the person constantly checking emails at dinner or squeezing joy between deadlines. That’s what’s possible when you choose to design first.
Are you ready to stop living for the weekend and start designing a business that works for you?
Let’s Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
If you’d like to explore how we can work together – whether it’s speaking at your conference, tailored training for your team, or diving deep together in my mastermind group – reach out now to secure a spot in my calendar for next year. I’d love to help you create a business and life by design.
Let’s flip the script together.
Design your life first, then build your business to fit around it.
Janine x