A fresh new start

So it's been a while, and you may notice that it's all change around here! A new year is all about new starts and challenges, and that's exactly what I've been doing here at Shopafrolics. You'll notice if you take a browse around the website, that it is shiny and new. I hope you love it as much as I do.

It's not just the new year that brings with it the opportunity of fresh starts (can you believe it's mid February already?), so I've been thinking about how I can keep myself motivated all year around. Here goes...

Declutter

So you start the year all motivated - a shiny new planner crisp, and ready to use - you're ready to take on the world. And then life happens, and that to-do list get's longer, while the hours in the day feel like they get shorter! That's ok.  To help myself along the way I have decided to de-clutter regularly. Whether it is the endless receipts I stuff in my handbag, clearing out the photos in my iPhone or a more general spring clean, I know I'll feel better when I'm done.

Take note

And on that to-do list... I've decided this year to dust off the filofax and I'm going to try and write down what I need to achieve and prioritise. You can find yourself getting lost for hours on social media, and while this is important and can be fun if it isn't generating sales should it be where your time is focussed. So grab a notebook, re-evaluate and I bet you find you're just that little bit more efficient, and you probably still have time to get back online and network.

Be positive

We've all been there, things get overwhelming and it becomes difficult to keep yourself focussed on the right things. There is so much doom and gloom online, from people moaning because it is half term (which I never really understand!), to the urban myth that Facebook has it in for small businesses with their new algorithms. I stand by the mantra that you get from life what you put in, and as cliched as it might sound you should live each day to the full. So, work hard, play hard, eat the cake and rid yourself of serial moaners. You know that they say it's all about moderation - so treat yourself now and again, and surround yourself with people who make you smile. It's the best accessory you'll ever have.