Wow, well January felt long! Partly it’s because I was intentional with having little ‘adventures’ throughout the month; which meant it felt like time was more abundant. If we’re going through the motions… work, eat, scroll, sleep, repeat… life can become pretty boring and our enthusiasm can start to wane. I for one am a life lover! I know that our time is precious (if you haven’t read my story, you’ll find it here) and I want to make the most of the time that I do have.

Anyway, let’s get into it; what did I get up to in January?

Business wins

One of my goals that I didn’t achieve last year was to (re)launch my Youtube channel. Well, I managed to get that ticked off in January and was consistent with my video uploads - there are 4 videos there for you to peruse!

I signed up for a live online course on ChatGPT for Email, and have been loving it. It’s been a reminder on how much I enjoy learning new things. We’re two thirds through the lessons, and I will be sad when it’s over! Email marketing is one of my favourite tasks in my business, and I’m excited to up my game.

On learning new things, I’ve been a part of Kirsty Raynor’s group called ‘Life’s a Pitch’ and we’re working on a 90 day strategy to get booked onto podcasts. It’s an intimate group which is really nice, and I love Kirsty’s energy. Our first session was on self belief and mindset, and then we had a session on strategy. Lots and lots for me to be working on in the coming weeks and months.

I’ve also been working with Kirsty Raynor and Lucy Sheridan as an affiliate for their upcoming group programme, Corporate Connect. If you’re a service provider and looking to add a corporate revenue stream then this is the programme for you.

Oh, and I can’t forget that I’ve been listed as a finalist for the Female Founder Awards in the management category. The recognition means a lot, but I need your help... the awards are decided by public vote and so your support would be much appreciated! Click here to cast your vote. Voting closes on 28th Feb 2025.

Personal wins

My main focus in January has been training for Hyrox. We’re now 6 weeks out from the competition!! Eek. Since my first few disastrous sessions, I am getting better thankfully!

I’ve been training 5 times a week, and my body is feeling it. My knees especially. So I’ve been taking cod liver oil capsules as well as Spice capsules from Will Powders for inflammation (tumeric, ginger and black pepper). I’ve increased my calorie and protein intake, and I’ve also been in my IR sauna blanket lots! I was at the physio this month, and the good news is that I’m not injured… I’ve just ramped up my training in such a short space of time that my poor body isn’t coping very well!! Hopefully I can make it through ok to the competition!!

I have been running on Sunday with Gaia which is a girls only running club. It’s such a nice bunch of girls, and we hang out at Juicy after on Byres Road for acai bowls and fresh juice!

I celebrated my birthday on the 14th, and went to a few Instagram hot spots in Glasgow city centre - Devils Roast and The Last Bookstore - with my friend Beth. I also happened to fall down the stairs at the gym on the morning of my birthday, and had the biggest bruise on my bum!!! I also had a glorious two hours of healing with White Rabbit Healing. Just bliss!

I also celebrated my daughter being in her school show, and went to not one but two of the performances! It was a delight seeing her on stage, and reminded me of the times that I was in school shows (I was one of the tendrils in Little Shop of Horrors 😂 and an urchin in Oliver!).

Insights

One of my big noticings this month was around mindset. I think mindset can get a bit of a bad rep, but I had a tough week with my son in January and it filtered through to everything I did. My workouts felt hard, work was difficult and I was in a real funk. Have a look at this email I sent when I was out the other side, which lists out some of the things that helped me.

Another thing that really helped me was that I didn’t fully take the foot off the gas over Christmas and New Year. It sounds counter intuitive I suppose, because most people want to be off completely but I know that I thrive in routine. And so by sticking with some resemblance of structure and doing a bit of work over the holidays was helpful and it’s meant I’ve found it easier to get going again in January.

I also started the year with a clear plan of what I wanted to achieve in January. So when I was working, I had clarity over what I needed to do and by when. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had plenty of down-time, and I have been enjoying slow Monday mornings, lunchtime yoga classes, brunch with friends, going back to bed with my book and so on.

What I’ve been reading

I finished our book club read which was Intermezzo (I struggled to get into it, but glad I persevered) and moved swiftly onto Weyward by Amelia Hart, which I loved. It weaves the stories of three women across 5 centuries. And I’m now reading ‘How should a person be?’ by Sheila Heti; ‘an engaging mashup of memoir, fiction and philosophy’. Of the three, my favourite was Weyward which I’d highly recommend.

What I’ve been watching

In January I started to rewatch Motherland. If you haven’t heard of it, this sitcom delves into the messy realities of juggling family life and work. It’s so close to the bone in some places that I am often nearly in tears… and then in other parts it’s very funny! One of the mums is ‘doing it all’, and it was amusing and also validating (to me as a time management expert) seeing her colour coded time blocked calendar!!

Coming soon

Basically for the month of February, Hyrox will be the focus!

Reflection

As you reflect on your own month, think about what you can celebrate and what you want to build on in the coming weeks. Time is our most precious resource—when we get intentional with it, we create more space for the things that truly matter. So, take a moment to ask yourself:

What’s one win from this month that deserves more recognition?
What’s one thing you could tweak in your time management to make next month even better?

Remember, the power lies in your hands. Whether it’s embracing a new habit, refining an existing system, or simply showing up with more presence in your day-to-day life—this is your time to own. You’ve got this!

The month in review: January 2025