WEBVTT
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.199
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.960
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here, right now, with you.
00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.199
Let's get started.
00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:33.679
Hi, and welcome back.
00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:40.719
It's Jennifer Britton with FlowFlex Scale, and welcome back to another FlowFlex Scale podcast episode.
00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:45.439
I don't know about you, but the summer is going way too fast.
00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:51.840
And so I thought I'd dedicate today's episode to a bit of a seasonal reset.
00:00:52.159 --> 00:01:03.840
If you've been following me over the last year or even the last 20 years, you'd know that I really continue to say that September is our second new year of the year.
00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:11.840
As we start getting through the hot, lazy days of summer, at least here in the northern hemisphere.
00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:24.879
And for those that are in the southern hemisphere, I know your days are getting longer, but it is an invite to those of us who are here to really be thinking about how do I start preparing for the next season?
00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:36.480
As many of you know, FlowFlex Scale is a set of operating principles, practices, so that we can really lean into the possibility of solopreneurship.
00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:43.200
And I wanted to dedicate today's episode to really thinking about that quarterly fall reset.
00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:58.719
Over the last 20 years, I've seen this happen time and time again, where people all of a sudden wake up, Labor Day is done, and that being the second or the first Monday of every September, and people feeling like they've drifted into fall.
00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:03.439
Well, listen, today's episode is to prompt you to say, hey, it doesn't have to be that way.
00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:20.240
We really can do a bit of an intentional business reset that's not going to take a lot of time, that I hope will really help you intentionally and perhaps strategically think about what you could be doing to set yourself up for success, set your business up for success this fall.
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:24.560
So the big idea here today is don't just drift into the next quarter.
00:02:24.800 --> 00:02:27.520
Intentionally, strategically, plan it.
00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:31.680
So many of you might be familiar with PFCA.
00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:35.360
Pause, focus, create, activate.
00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:46.719
PFCA is at the heart of our conversation sparker charms, our experiential tools that have gone out into the world over the last decade.
00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:58.080
From symphony orchestras around the world through to Fortune 50s and mom and pop shops like ourselves, they are geared to help you get thinking.
00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:08.159
Now, whether you have the charms, the cards, or just you're listening to me, really, in terms of doing a strategic reset, we want to be doing it with the beginning.
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:09.680
Start with a pause.
00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:14.960
And here's the thing that I want to reinforce in today's busy world, resets don't mean weeks at a time.
00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:24.080
It may mean a quick 15 minutes of journaling, 15 minutes of pause so that you can focus, create a plan, and then get it into action.
00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:34.560
As we move into this fall season here in North America and in the Northern Hemisphere, really want to invite you to do a bit of a business reset.
00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:41.280
If you haven't done so, definitely check out over at YouTube, the FlowFlex Skill Podcast Playlist.
00:03:41.439 --> 00:03:46.159
And you'll also want to visit the business reset that I did a few months ago.
00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:49.840
I think it was at the end of Q1 or beginning of Q2.
00:03:50.159 --> 00:03:56.240
It's a short five-day challenge that you can participate in that might enhance some of your thinking time.
00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:04.719
As you do this quick reset right now, even with your journal or just with your phone, I'd invite you to reflect on your last quarter.
00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:06.960
What were your accomplishments?
00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:10.800
If you have a copy of the FlowFlex Scale calendar, bring that out.
00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:11.520
Write it down.
00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:21.199
I don't have mine beside me today, but there is space for you at the beginning of every month and beginning of every quarter to take stock on what's working and also what's not.
00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:28.800
Today is a Monday, and it is usually the day that I get to meet with our FlowFlex Scale lab solopreneurs.
00:04:28.959 --> 00:04:36.160
We use the morning, 30 minutes of the morning, to take stock of where we're at so that we can really set ourselves up for the week.
00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:47.279
And I have to say, one of the questions that people really enjoy exploring is not only what are you going to focus on, but what do you want to start, what do you want to stop, and what needs to be continued.
00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:59.120
Again, if we go back to that old project manager and adage of start, stop, continue, that's a really great litmus test for us to identify what is important right now.
00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:01.040
So pause.
00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:07.680
In the pause beyond the taking stock, in beyond the start, stop, continue.
00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:14.000
I also want you to notice how your rhythm has been, what's helped you, and also what's gotten in the way.
00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:22.800
One thing that is unique with FlowFlex Skill is that it's not just about how to build the business, but it's about noticing the energy flows of building a business.
00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:26.000
The way you want to run your business is going to be different from mine.
00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:27.759
I love getting up early.
00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:29.360
I love working early.
00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:32.800
Afternoons like this time are not great for me in details.
00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.439
Hence, why I'm recording today's podcast.
00:05:35.680 --> 00:05:38.399
I want you to really be thinking about the last month.
00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:44.560
And there may be some seasonal variants here for you to think about when are you at your best with different tasks.
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.600
All right, so part one of the reset, pause.
00:05:47.839 --> 00:05:49.439
Part two, focus.
00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:52.480
Want you to reconnect with your business DNA.
00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:56.000
Business DNA is the first of the nine catalysts.
00:05:56.160 --> 00:06:00.240
And for many years now, I have operated as a strengths-based coach.
00:06:00.399 --> 00:06:07.120
I do a lot of work with individuals and teams to help them identify what they're innately, naturally good at.
00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:12.879
When we are able to tap into the things that we're really good at, we can go on and on.
00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:17.920
And for you as a solopreneur, this is really important because you probably don't have a team around you.
00:06:18.079 --> 00:06:26.240
You may have some agents, you might have a couple subcontractors that you call in, but really our engine is critical for success.
00:06:26.399 --> 00:06:36.959
And if you do pick up a copy of FlowFlex Scale the Book, which is coming out in late summer 2026, you'll see me reference this notion of your rhythm all the time.
00:06:37.199 --> 00:06:48.399
Part of your business DNA, which is foundational, you are at the heart of the engine of this whole operating system for you, your business, your livelihood and lifestyle.
00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:51.920
And so I'd really invite you to reconnect with your business DNA.
00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:53.120
What's lit you up?
00:06:53.279 --> 00:06:54.480
What's been easy?
00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:56.800
What has felt really hard?
00:06:56.959 --> 00:07:08.000
And while we might not always be a choice in saying no, over time we may become more strategic in negotiating and adapting some of the work that we're doing.
00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:13.519
So we've done pause, we've done focus, focus again being your DNA.
00:07:13.759 --> 00:07:18.160
I'd like you now to focus on the C, PFCA.
00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:24.000
C being pause, focus, create, or choose.
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What do you want to create in this next quarter?
00:07:28.959 --> 00:07:35.600
For so many business owners, they start the day, they start the week, they start the quarter with the long laundry list.
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:42.959
I even heard today from one of our lab partners saying, one of my goals this week is to like chunk it down, not do quite as much.
00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:47.279
So I really want you to put the litmus test around your goals.
00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:52.639
There's been so much talk about rocks, and while rocks are great, are they strategic?
00:07:53.040 --> 00:08:04.399
A lot of business owners I see getting into the check-check box without making sure that they actually flow through to things that are going to move the business needle forward.
00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:16.240
And so as we think about pause, focus, create, what are the actions that are going to really create the most flow for you, the most impact for your clients or the people you serve?
00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:20.959
I'd invite you, as you think about this next quarter, maybe what are the top three to five goals?
00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:24.480
That's pretty standard, but also what are the weekly chunks?
00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:27.759
What are the weekly milestones that you want to be aiming for?
00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:30.879
FlowFlex Scale is built on a 90-day rhythm.
00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:41.200
And that sort of focus for me really started five, six years ago when I released my last book in publishment, which was the 90-day guide for success.
00:08:41.440 --> 00:08:44.240
That wasn't a 30-day onboarding process.
00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:47.919
It really goes into the depth of 90-day cycles.
00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:56.960
And I've seen time and time again the importance of this quick iteration for solopreneurs and businesses of all sides, sizes.
00:08:57.200 --> 00:09:06.879
Our world is moving so fast right now that the ability to be able to start and end a project in that 90-day, three-month window can be quite critical.
00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:08.879
I would even encourage you too.
00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:15.519
It may not be 90 days, it could be monthly 30-day sprints that you're doing around certain activities.
00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:22.399
So invite at least, as you look at your pause, focus, create, what is it that you want to experiment with?
00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:26.320
Is there a different way of working that you want to experiment with?
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:29.519
Many of you have reached out to me in recent weeks.
00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:32.720
I'm recording this at the end of July 2026.
00:09:32.960 --> 00:09:38.559
Many of you know that every mid-July, I take part in a 72-hour writing marathon.
00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:41.919
It's not an athletic marathon, but it's a writing marathon.
00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:48.480
And I join forces with other writers from across Canada and even wider in person and virtually.
00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:55.360
We do an annual fundraiser for adult literacy in beautiful Muskoka, So Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:56.879
72 hours.
00:09:57.039 --> 00:09:59.200
The bell starts at 7, 8 p.m.
00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.480
actually on a Thursday night.
00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:06.000
And the bell goes, and that's when we can start writing, and the bell goes off on Sunday night, 8 p.m.
00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:09.679
This year I did my personal best.
00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:15.039
I was able to get 60,440 words on paper.
00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:17.600
This is my eighth year of doing this.
00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:22.559
And so I've progressively gotten better every year I attend.
00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:24.159
Why that's important?
00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:30.639
Because again, in this notion of a 90-day cycle, we can be doing things, we can be experimenting with things.
00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:37.440
And hopefully every time we get a little bit better, even if the odds are stacked against us.
00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:46.320
And so I would invite you, as you're starting to think about your quarter, your next 90-day sprint, what is it that you want to include?
00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.440
What are the nouns?
00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:49.200
And what are the stretch zones?
00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:51.279
What are the areas that you want to get better?
00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:56.720
Because we only get better at doing things when we try and we get feedback and we continue to iterate.
00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:59.840
So I hope that you've enjoyed today's episode.
00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.120
The Gauntlet is down.
00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:03.679
It's an invite to take at least 15 minutes.
00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:10.000
Really, all you need is 15 minutes to think about how you can apply our Conversation Sparker reflective framework.
00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:13.200
I want you to pause, take stock of your last quarter.
00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:18.559
I want you to focus, look at what do you want to create in this next 90-day window.
00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:22.240
And then you can really think strategically on how will you create this?
00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:25.600
What habits, what routines do you want to put in place?
00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:35.200
Haven't mentioned that until now, but I would really stress that habits are really part of this massive part of success in a 90-day cycle.
00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:39.519
Remember that habits take longer than the 21 days to get formed.
00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:49.360
Gloria Mark has found in her research that really it takes anywhere from 60, approximately 62 days, upwards of 200 days to start a new routine.
00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:51.840
So, fall, it's a great time to begin.
00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:55.039
Maybe it's the beginning of September, maybe it's the beginning of another month.
00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:57.600
But my invite is start it now.
00:11:57.919 --> 00:12:09.200
For more tips and ideas and practices and things you can be experimenting with, human or AI-enabled, I'd really invite you to pick up a copy of FlowFlex Skill.
00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:14.960
If it's not available yet on Amazon or at your local bookstore, it soon will be.
00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.799
So I'd invite you to pre-order.
00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:20.960
And as we move through the fall, there are going to be lots of special activities.
00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.799
I would do a shout out right now.
00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:32.080
If you're in the Toronto area, towards the end of September, I will be with my Canadian publisher at the Word on the Street.
00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:40.559
And for those that knew me in my former days and knew that I used to work on Queen Street West many, many years ago, it's no longer on Queen Street West.
00:12:40.720 --> 00:12:42.159
It's moved down to King Street West.
00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.519
And so look it up.
00:12:43.679 --> 00:12:44.720
It is a fun event.
00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:49.200
I don't know, it's a 40th plus Word on the Street, but it is a literary festival.
00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:57.600
And I'll be doing a book signing at the end of September on the Sunday afternoon, I think from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
00:12:57.919 --> 00:13:00.320
It would be great to see you in downtown Toronto.
00:13:00.559 --> 00:13:03.279
Drop by the booth and please come.
00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:08.240
And at least if you don't want to buy a book, uh you don't have to, but it would be great to support me on that.
00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:13.600
But at least I can just say hi and give you a hug or give you a high five, whatever you prefer.
00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:14.559
All right, everyone.
00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.600
Well, thanks for joining us.
00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:20.159
I hope that you've enjoyed today's episode on considering your business reset.
00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:30.240
Whether you're stepping into fall, stepping into spring, these strategic pauses every 90 days provide us with an opportunity to really do a reset.
00:13:30.559 --> 00:13:36.399
Doesn't take a lot of time, but it's that intentional focus, keeping your vision in line.
00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:37.519
All right, everyone.
00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.559
We'll see you soon.
00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:39.840
Thanks for joining us.
00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:40.879
Take care.
00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.240
That's all for today's episode.
00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:51.039
Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend so you won't miss out on what's ahead.
00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:59.039
Once you've decided where you're going, the next question becomes how do you sustain momentum over the next 90 days?
00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:01.440
That's where we'll go to next.
00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:07.759
And until next time, remember daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.199
This is the FlowFlex Skill Podcast, your field guide to the Solopreneur Operating System with author and coach Jennifer Britton.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:21.600
Daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.960
That's Jennifer's mantra, and it starts right here, right now, with you.
00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.199
Let's get started.
00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:33.679
Hi, and welcome back.
00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:40.719
It's Jennifer Britton with FlowFlex Scale, and welcome back to another FlowFlex Scale podcast episode.
00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:45.439
I don't know about you, but the summer is going way too fast.
00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:51.840
And so I thought I'd dedicate today's episode to a bit of a seasonal reset.
00:00:52.159 --> 00:01:03.840
If you've been following me over the last year or even the last 20 years, you'd know that I really continue to say that September is our second new year of the year.
00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:11.840
As we start getting through the hot, lazy days of summer, at least here in the northern hemisphere.
00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:24.879
And for those that are in the southern hemisphere, I know your days are getting longer, but it is an invite to those of us who are here to really be thinking about how do I start preparing for the next season?
00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:36.480
As many of you know, FlowFlex Scale is a set of operating principles, practices, so that we can really lean into the possibility of solopreneurship.
00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:43.200
And I wanted to dedicate today's episode to really thinking about that quarterly fall reset.
00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:58.719
Over the last 20 years, I've seen this happen time and time again, where people all of a sudden wake up, Labor Day is done, and that being the second or the first Monday of every September, and people feeling like they've drifted into fall.
00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:03.439
Well, listen, today's episode is to prompt you to say, hey, it doesn't have to be that way.
00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:20.240
We really can do a bit of an intentional business reset that's not going to take a lot of time, that I hope will really help you intentionally and perhaps strategically think about what you could be doing to set yourself up for success, set your business up for success this fall.
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:24.560
So the big idea here today is don't just drift into the next quarter.
00:02:24.800 --> 00:02:27.520
Intentionally, strategically, plan it.
00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:31.680
So many of you might be familiar with PFCA.
00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:35.360
Pause, focus, create, activate.
00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:46.719
PFCA is at the heart of our conversation sparker charms, our experiential tools that have gone out into the world over the last decade.
00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:58.080
From symphony orchestras around the world through to Fortune 50s and mom and pop shops like ourselves, they are geared to help you get thinking.
00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:08.159
Now, whether you have the charms, the cards, or just you're listening to me, really, in terms of doing a strategic reset, we want to be doing it with the beginning.
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:09.680
Start with a pause.
00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:14.960
And here's the thing that I want to reinforce in today's busy world, resets don't mean weeks at a time.
00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:24.080
It may mean a quick 15 minutes of journaling, 15 minutes of pause so that you can focus, create a plan, and then get it into action.
00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:34.560
As we move into this fall season here in North America and in the Northern Hemisphere, really want to invite you to do a bit of a business reset.
00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:41.280
If you haven't done so, definitely check out over at YouTube, the FlowFlex Skill Podcast Playlist.
00:03:41.439 --> 00:03:46.159
And you'll also want to visit the business reset that I did a few months ago.
00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:49.840
I think it was at the end of Q1 or beginning of Q2.
00:03:50.159 --> 00:03:56.240
It's a short five-day challenge that you can participate in that might enhance some of your thinking time.
00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:04.719
As you do this quick reset right now, even with your journal or just with your phone, I'd invite you to reflect on your last quarter.
00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:06.960
What were your accomplishments?
00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:10.800
If you have a copy of the FlowFlex Scale calendar, bring that out.
00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:11.520
Write it down.
00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:21.199
I don't have mine beside me today, but there is space for you at the beginning of every month and beginning of every quarter to take stock on what's working and also what's not.
00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:28.800
Today is a Monday, and it is usually the day that I get to meet with our FlowFlex Scale lab solopreneurs.
00:04:28.959 --> 00:04:36.160
We use the morning, 30 minutes of the morning, to take stock of where we're at so that we can really set ourselves up for the week.
00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:47.279
And I have to say, one of the questions that people really enjoy exploring is not only what are you going to focus on, but what do you want to start, what do you want to stop, and what needs to be continued.
00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:59.120
Again, if we go back to that old project manager and adage of start, stop, continue, that's a really great litmus test for us to identify what is important right now.
00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:01.040
So pause.
00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:07.680
In the pause beyond the taking stock, in beyond the start, stop, continue.
00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:14.000
I also want you to notice how your rhythm has been, what's helped you, and also what's gotten in the way.
00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:22.800
One thing that is unique with FlowFlex Skill is that it's not just about how to build the business, but it's about noticing the energy flows of building a business.
00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:26.000
The way you want to run your business is going to be different from mine.
00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:27.759
I love getting up early.
00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:29.360
I love working early.
00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:32.800
Afternoons like this time are not great for me in details.
00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.439
Hence, why I'm recording today's podcast.
00:05:35.680 --> 00:05:38.399
I want you to really be thinking about the last month.
00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:44.560
And there may be some seasonal variants here for you to think about when are you at your best with different tasks.
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.600
All right, so part one of the reset, pause.
00:05:47.839 --> 00:05:49.439
Part two, focus.
00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:52.480
Want you to reconnect with your business DNA.
00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:56.000
Business DNA is the first of the nine catalysts.
00:05:56.160 --> 00:06:00.240
And for many years now, I have operated as a strengths-based coach.
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I do a lot of work with individuals and teams to help them identify what they're innately, naturally good at.
00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:12.879
When we are able to tap into the things that we're really good at, we can go on and on.
00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:17.920
And for you as a solopreneur, this is really important because you probably don't have a team around you.
00:06:18.079 --> 00:06:26.240
You may have some agents, you might have a couple subcontractors that you call in, but really our engine is critical for success.
00:06:26.399 --> 00:06:36.959
And if you do pick up a copy of FlowFlex Scale the Book, which is coming out in late summer 2026, you'll see me reference this notion of your rhythm all the time.
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Part of your business DNA, which is foundational, you are at the heart of the engine of this whole operating system for you, your business, your livelihood and lifestyle.
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And so I'd really invite you to reconnect with your business DNA.
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What's lit you up?
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What's been easy?
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What has felt really hard?
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And while we might not always be a choice in saying no, over time we may become more strategic in negotiating and adapting some of the work that we're doing.
00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:13.519
So we've done pause, we've done focus, focus again being your DNA.
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I'd like you now to focus on the C, PFCA.
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C being pause, focus, create, or choose.
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What do you want to create in this next quarter?
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For so many business owners, they start the day, they start the week, they start the quarter with the long laundry list.
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I even heard today from one of our lab partners saying, one of my goals this week is to like chunk it down, not do quite as much.
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So I really want you to put the litmus test around your goals.
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There's been so much talk about rocks, and while rocks are great, are they strategic?
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A lot of business owners I see getting into the check-check box without making sure that they actually flow through to things that are going to move the business needle forward.
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And so as we think about pause, focus, create, what are the actions that are going to really create the most flow for you, the most impact for your clients or the people you serve?
00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:20.959
I'd invite you, as you think about this next quarter, maybe what are the top three to five goals?
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That's pretty standard, but also what are the weekly chunks?
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What are the weekly milestones that you want to be aiming for?
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FlowFlex Scale is built on a 90-day rhythm.
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And that sort of focus for me really started five, six years ago when I released my last book in publishment, which was the 90-day guide for success.
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That wasn't a 30-day onboarding process.
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It really goes into the depth of 90-day cycles.
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And I've seen time and time again the importance of this quick iteration for solopreneurs and businesses of all sides, sizes.
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Our world is moving so fast right now that the ability to be able to start and end a project in that 90-day, three-month window can be quite critical.
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I would even encourage you too.
00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:15.519
It may not be 90 days, it could be monthly 30-day sprints that you're doing around certain activities.
00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:22.399
So invite at least, as you look at your pause, focus, create, what is it that you want to experiment with?
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Is there a different way of working that you want to experiment with?
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Many of you have reached out to me in recent weeks.
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I'm recording this at the end of July 2026.
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Many of you know that every mid-July, I take part in a 72-hour writing marathon.
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It's not an athletic marathon, but it's a writing marathon.
00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:48.480
And I join forces with other writers from across Canada and even wider in person and virtually.
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We do an annual fundraiser for adult literacy in beautiful Muskoka, So Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
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72 hours.
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The bell starts at 7, 8 p.m.
00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.480
actually on a Thursday night.
00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:06.000
And the bell goes, and that's when we can start writing, and the bell goes off on Sunday night, 8 p.m.
00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:09.679
This year I did my personal best.
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I was able to get 60,440 words on paper.
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This is my eighth year of doing this.
00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:22.559
And so I've progressively gotten better every year I attend.
00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:24.159
Why that's important?
00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:30.639
Because again, in this notion of a 90-day cycle, we can be doing things, we can be experimenting with things.
00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:37.440
And hopefully every time we get a little bit better, even if the odds are stacked against us.
00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:46.320
And so I would invite you, as you're starting to think about your quarter, your next 90-day sprint, what is it that you want to include?
00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.440
What are the nouns?
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And what are the stretch zones?
00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:51.279
What are the areas that you want to get better?
00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:56.720
Because we only get better at doing things when we try and we get feedback and we continue to iterate.
00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:59.840
So I hope that you've enjoyed today's episode.
00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.120
The Gauntlet is down.
00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:03.679
It's an invite to take at least 15 minutes.
00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:10.000
Really, all you need is 15 minutes to think about how you can apply our Conversation Sparker reflective framework.
00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:13.200
I want you to pause, take stock of your last quarter.
00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:18.559
I want you to focus, look at what do you want to create in this next 90-day window.
00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:22.240
And then you can really think strategically on how will you create this?
00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:25.600
What habits, what routines do you want to put in place?
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Haven't mentioned that until now, but I would really stress that habits are really part of this massive part of success in a 90-day cycle.
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Remember that habits take longer than the 21 days to get formed.
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Gloria Mark has found in her research that really it takes anywhere from 60, approximately 62 days, upwards of 200 days to start a new routine.
00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:51.840
So, fall, it's a great time to begin.
00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:55.039
Maybe it's the beginning of September, maybe it's the beginning of another month.
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But my invite is start it now.
00:11:57.919 --> 00:12:09.200
For more tips and ideas and practices and things you can be experimenting with, human or AI-enabled, I'd really invite you to pick up a copy of FlowFlex Skill.
00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:14.960
If it's not available yet on Amazon or at your local bookstore, it soon will be.
00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.799
So I'd invite you to pre-order.
00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:20.960
And as we move through the fall, there are going to be lots of special activities.
00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.799
I would do a shout out right now.
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If you're in the Toronto area, towards the end of September, I will be with my Canadian publisher at the Word on the Street.
00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:40.559
And for those that knew me in my former days and knew that I used to work on Queen Street West many, many years ago, it's no longer on Queen Street West.
00:12:40.720 --> 00:12:42.159
It's moved down to King Street West.
00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.519
And so look it up.
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It is a fun event.
00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:49.200
I don't know, it's a 40th plus Word on the Street, but it is a literary festival.
00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:57.600
And I'll be doing a book signing at the end of September on the Sunday afternoon, I think from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
00:12:57.919 --> 00:13:00.320
It would be great to see you in downtown Toronto.
00:13:00.559 --> 00:13:03.279
Drop by the booth and please come.
00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:08.240
And at least if you don't want to buy a book, uh you don't have to, but it would be great to support me on that.
00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:13.600
But at least I can just say hi and give you a hug or give you a high five, whatever you prefer.
00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:14.559
All right, everyone.
00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.600
Well, thanks for joining us.
00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:20.159
I hope that you've enjoyed today's episode on considering your business reset.
00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:30.240
Whether you're stepping into fall, stepping into spring, these strategic pauses every 90 days provide us with an opportunity to really do a reset.
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Doesn't take a lot of time, but it's that intentional focus, keeping your vision in line.
00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:37.519
All right, everyone.
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We'll see you soon.
00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:39.840
Thanks for joining us.
00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:40.879
Take care.
00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.240
That's all for today's episode.
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Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend so you won't miss out on what's ahead.
00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:59.039
Once you've decided where you're going, the next question becomes how do you sustain momentum over the next 90 days?
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That's where we'll go to next.
00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:07.759
And until next time, remember daily steps plus consistent action equals momentum.
