January 15, 2024 Daily Reflection – Sidetracked

Brief Overview of the Day

Returning to daily reflections after a pause, my focus last week was primarily on KPIs, leading to a strategic decision to prioritize other tasks over these reflections. This approach seemed well-managed, though it might have slightly shifted attention away from main priorities.

Today, unexpected morning events disrupted my usual routine, making it difficult to focus on work. I stayed busy throughout the day, but there was a shortfall in client work, although I managed to put in some hours later in the day. I’m hoping to correct the trajectory and get back on track with my targets over the rest of the week.

Goals for the Week

  • Shoe Store Data Entry
  • Wellness Center Copywriting
  • Finish app website (final edits remaining)
  • Send ski store audit
  • Send Greek cafe merch order
  • Finish “Girlfriend Shirt” category page for ShirtSlingers
  • Launch book website
  • 2 Freeletics workouts (1 done)
  • 2 yoga workouts
  • Taxes

  • Kindergarten SEO First Draft (done for now – waiting for feedback)
  • Finish carpentry website (done for now – waiting for feedback)
  • Publish Instagram posts for Cafe (on hold)
  • Publish Instagram posts for Neighborhood restaurant (on hold)
  • Publish Instagram posts for Greek cafe (on hold)

Long-Term Goals (same as before)

List each goal in detail (e.g., “Increase monthly SEO client base by 20%”, “Develop a new passive income stream through affiliate marketing”).

For each goal, explain why it’s meaningful to you. How does it contribute to your larger vision or personal satisfaction?

1. Make $15,000 a month

Right now, my financial situation isn’t great, and I really need to boost my income. I’ve been looking into Jacky Chou, who’s pulling in an impressive 8-9K a day. Plus, I’ve seen several case studies on Niche Pursuits about people earning 10-20K a month.

This has shown me it’s definitely achievable. I’ve got the skills, or at least I’m willing to learn them. But to improve my mental and overall well-being, I know I need to drastically improve my financial situation.

2. Make $10,000 a month in SEO MRR

I’ve likely been earning more this year through web design, but my true specialty and passion is SEO. I need to be more driven and work hard to secure 10 clients on a monthly SEO retainer. I’m considering hiring a VA to handle mundane tasks, which would free up time for more business development.

3. Hire a business and/or personal coach

Working with a personal coach in the past was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The sense of fulfillment and progress that came with it is something I fondly remember. However, it’s a significant financial commitment, and due to my current financial situation, I haven’t been able to continue with it. Despite this, I’m hopeful about the possibility of resuming coaching sessions in the future. It’s something I’m really looking forward to, as I deeply value the positive impact it had on my life and personal growth.

4. Weigh 185 lbs

My main goal is to be in the best shape of my life, rather than hitting a specific weight target. However, reaching 185 lb would be symbolic since it means I would have lost 100 lbs in total. But for now, the real, immediate goal is to get back under 200 lbs.

I just want to feel good in my own skin and have real confidence. I find that I get this feeling when I’m making progress with fitness. This is important not just for my physical health, but again, for my mental and overall well-being.

5. Travel

I’ve been feeling quite confined in Montreal lately, but currently lack the means to travel, a situation that’s persisted for some time. I’m really hoping to organize a trip abroad this year to break free from this routine.

6. Do a yoga teacher training (hopefully abroad)

While I’m not particularly interested in teaching yoga, my goal is to reach an advanced level in my practice. This aspiration is leading me to consider a yoga teacher training program. The added allure of potentially doing this training abroad, in exotic locations, makes it an even more enticing prospect and would be a dream come true.

Progress Towards Goals

Outline the actions taken for each goal. For example, “Contacted five potential clients for SEO services” or “Researched affiliate marketing platforms.”

Were there any unplanned opportunities or obstacles that impacted these goals today?

Make $15,000 a month: Did 2 hours of client work. Haven’t worked on passive income projects.

Make $10,000 a month in SEO MRR: Struck partnership with major agency to white label SEO services.

Hire a business and/or personal coach: No progress. Can’t afford it at the moment.

Weigh 185 lbs: Did Freeletics workout today. Switched to 100% plant-based whole food diet.
Latest Weight: 220.4 (down 7.5 lbs in two weeks)

Travel: No progress. Can’t afford it at the moment.

Do a yoga teacher training: No progress. Can’t afford it at the moment.

SEO and Web Design Progress

Detail client interactions: What specific communications occurred? Any feedback or new requests?

Describe project milestones achieved or particular challenges in your work.

Did 2 hours of client work.

Passive Income and Business Ideas (same as before)

Summarize progress in current ventures, like content creation or marketing strategies.

Elaborate on new business ideas: What sparked these ideas? How do they align with your skills and interests? What initial research or planning did you do?

Consider potential next steps for these business ideas: What information do you need? Who could you reach out to for advice or collaboration?

I didn’t make any progress today.

  • My projects are somewhat stuck at the moment. I believe that focusing on growing Nextbop offers the best chance for a significant payday, so that’s where I’ve been channeling my energy over the past week.
  • I’m just in the initial brainstorming phase, but right now, I’m keen on exploring a couple of areas. First, I want to learn Bubble, and second, I’m interested in figuring out how to connect ChatGPT to other APIs. The ultimate goal is to combine both these skills into creating a SAAS product. I’m a bit concerned that I might need to learn Python to effectively achieve my goals, especially with the technical aspects I’m looking into.
  • I also have a Semrush Affiliate account, which presents a great opportunity for me to start creating content. Additionally, I’ve just applied to Monday. Exploring these platforms could be an effective way to generate more passive income.
  • I also have the option to dropship products from Leff Amsterdam and Grove Campus. It would be beneficial to consider adding these to my Caviar Drip offerings. This could expand my product range and potentially increase revenue.
  • I’ve been contemplating the idea of creating an SEO crash course, which could take the form of an ebook or an online course. This project isn’t just about diversifying my income streams with another source of passive revenue; it’s also a strategic move to promote my agency. By sharing my expertise in this accessible format, I can not only generate additional income but also enhance the visibility and credibility of my agency. This endeavor could serve as an effective marketing tool, attracting potential clients who are seeking to understand and leverage SEO for their own businesses.
  • I’ve come up with two new ideas for passive income websites. The first is a t-shirt store, and the second is a book project.

Client Project Updates

List each client and the specific project you’re working on for them.

For each client, detail where you are in the project. What milestones have been reached? What significant progress was made today?

Outline what is left to be done for each project. Are there any pending tasks or upcoming deadlines?

Plan the immediate next actions for each project. What will you tackle next? Are there any client meetings or feedback sessions scheduled?

Shoe Store: (same as before) I didn’t work on this. There is still data entry to complete and a month’s worth of SEO tasks ahead.

  • Next actionable step: Finish data entry ASAP

Wellness Centre: (same as before) I didn’t work on this.

  • Next actionable step: Write first draft of content

App Website: Started optimizing metadata.

  • Next actionable step: Final edits remaining.

Cafe: On hold

  • Next actionable step: None

Greek Cafe: Outsourced the social to someone else. Requested merch quote.

  • Next actionable step: Meet with client and draft final merch quote.

Neighborhood Restaurant: On hold

  • Next actionable step: Call client

Asian Restaurant Website: (same as before) I didn’t work on this.

  • Next actionable step: I need to work on fixing the site speed.

Kids’ Store: On hold

  • Next actionable step: Waiting for client feedback

Carpenter: On hold

  • Next actionable step: Waiting for copy

Ski Store (Business Development): (Same as before) I need to conduct an SEO audit.

  • Next actionable step: Write up audit

Vegan Restaurant (Business Development): (same as before) I need to write a proposal for a website project.

  • Next actionable step: Conduct keyword research

Personal Passive Income Project Updates

List each project and for each , detail where you are in the project. What milestones have been reached? What significant progress was made today?

Outline what is left to be done for each project. Are there any pending tasks or upcoming deadlines?

Plan the immediate next actions for each project. What will you tackle next? Are there any client meetings or feedback sessions scheduled?

Nextbop: I didn’t work on this today. Updated an important page last week.

  • Next actionable step: Build next category page

Best Songs Period: (same as before) This website was created for an SEO competition. However, the current strategy doesn’t seem to be yielding the desired results. I am considering abandoning this project to concentrate on other ventures. Additionally, I’m contemplating switching my focus to Shirt Slingers for the competition, as I believe it has the potential to generate more income in the long term.

  • Next actionable step: Discontinuing website.

Shirt Slingers: (same as before) I see considerable potential in this website, which essentially revolves around drop shipping graphic t-shirts. My immediate task is to complete the setup of the “I Love My Girlfriend” category. Additionally, I need to persist in creating and adding new designs to enhance the website’s offerings.

  • Next actionable step: Finish “I Love My Girlfriend” category page

Caviar Drip: (same as before) This project is somewhat on hold due to a lack of funds to purchase inventory. However, I can still focus on writing content and expanding the Leff Amsterdam section, which I can manage through dropshipping.

  • Next actionable step: Add Grove Campus and Leff Amsterdam products

Semrush & Monday Affiliate: new project

SEO ebook / online course: new project

Book website: new project

Procrastination Check

Identify the tasks you put off. Were they complex, time-consuming, or outside your comfort zone?

Analyze the reasons behind the procrastination: Lack of motivation, fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed?

Devise a specific plan for these tasks. Could breaking them into smaller steps help? Would setting a dedicated time block or deadline be beneficial?

Today, I used my emotions as a reason to procrastinate, leading me to neglect my main priorities.

What Could I Have Done Better?

Reflect on your productivity and focus. Were there periods of distraction or inefficiency?

Assess your interactions: Could communication with clients or colleagues have been improved?

Think about decision-making: Were there any hasty or delayed decisions today?

Remain stoic. Set aside emotions and concentrate on the task at hand, making strides towards goals regardless of mood. Should’ve compelled myself to work regardless.

Challenges Faced

Work-Related: Detail any project hurdles, client misunderstandings, or technical issues. How did you approach solving them? What solutions worked or didn’t work?

Health and Fitness: Discuss specific challenges in sticking to your diet or exercise regimen. Did you encounter temptations, lack of time, or motivation issues? Reflect on your yoga practice: Were there poses or sequences that were particularly challenging?

Work-Related: I allowed external events beyond my control to impact both my mood and productivity.

Health and Fitness: Great day.

Financial Overview

This Month’s Cash Inflows: 4,013.35
This Month’s Target: 6,500
Still to go: 2,486.65

December 2023 Cash Inflows: 3,840.55
November 2023 Cash Inflows: 2,491.63
October 2023 Cash Inflows: 5,210.59

Lessons Learned

Consider the key learnings from today. How have they contributed to your personal or professional growth?

Were there any moments of insight or clarity that reshaped your perspective on a project, goal, or personal habit?

I thought a workout would help me get my head straight, but it wasn’t sufficient. I realize I can’t let my emotions affect my productivity. While I’m not exactly sure how to achieve this yet, acknowledging the issue is the first step.

Goals for Tomorrow

Work and Learning Goals: Specify the top priority tasks and learning objectives for tomorrow. Include any preparatory steps needed.

Health and Fitness Goals: Detail your planned diet and exercise for tomorrow. Are there specific targets, like calorie intake or workout intensity?

Work and Learning Goals: Do 6 hours of client work + 1.5 hour of passive income

Health and Fitness Goals: Eat clean + TRX, yoga or Freeletics

Closing Thoughts

Conclude with an overall reflection. What are you grateful for today? What gives you hope or motivation for tomorrow?

Feeling a bit disappointed, I recognize that I was aware of what was happening but didn’t put in enough effort to push through it. I understand that I can’t let events like this serve as excuses that could hinder my long-term goals.

Craft a question based on your day’s experiences that encourages reader interaction. For example, ask for tips on a challenge you faced or opinions on a new business idea.

Reflecting on the challenges of staying focused and productive amidst unexpected events and emotional distractions, what strategies have you found effective in overcoming these hurdles and staying aligned with your long-term goals? Share your experiences and tips for maintaining productivity even when it’s tough to stay on track.

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