Trust me, to have the best year in your business you need to review business systems within your business.

Hey there! The Christmas season is here, and I hope you’re getting ready to spend quality time with your loved ones. It’s also that time of year when we start thinking about the future—specifically, what’s ahead in 2024. If you haven’t started planning for the new year yet, this is the perfect moment to do so!

I’ve been sharing a special series on how I’m preparing for the new year, and today, I’m diving into the second big thing I do to get ready. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s get into it!

Step #2: Reviewing and Updating My Systems

One of the most important things I do to prepare for the new year is reviewing and updating my systems. Now, when I say “systems,” I’m talking about the tasks, routines, and processes I follow to keep my life and business running smoothly.

Think of it this way: You have systems for everything—how you get ready in the morning, how you manage your finances, how you stay on top of your business tasks. Whether you realize it or not, systems help you stay consistent and make life easier.

For me, reviewing my systems means taking a close look at all the areas where I serve—my business, my personal life, and my responsibilities. I assess whether my current routines are working or if they need a little tweaking. I also check my schedule, calendar, and time blocks to see if they align with my goals.

What I Review and Why

As I go through this process, I ask myself three key questions:

1. What worked this year? – I take note of the systems that helped me stay on track and accomplish my goals.
2. What didn’t work? – If something didn’t flow well with my family life, business, or overall routine, I pinpoint what needs adjusting.
3. What needs to change? – Maybe I aimed to wake up at 3 AM every day, but that just wasn’t sustainable. In that case, I consider shifting my schedule to something more realistic, like 6 AM.

I do this across different areas of my life, including:

• Business processes – How I deliver services, onboard new clients, and manage my customer experience.
• Podcast production – What worked well in terms of consistency, content planning, and audience engagement?
• Financial tracking – Did I meet my financial projections? What adjustments should I make for next year?
• Personal routines – Are my morning and evening routines effective? Do I need to set better boundaries with my time?

How I Make This Process Easier

I like working in a structured manner, so I don’t just wing this process—I follow a system to review my systems! To help with this, I’m currently going through two courses: Systemize Your Life and Systemize Your Biz by Chelsea Jo. These courses break down the steps for creating systems that actually work, whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning existing ones.

If you struggle with having solid systems in place, I highly recommend checking them out. They walk you through the process of setting up systems that will help you manage both your life and business with ease. Whether you need to build new systems or refine your existing ones, these courses are a game-changer.

I’ll drop a link to them so you can check them out if you’re interested!

Why Systems Matter More Than Just Goal-Setting

One of my favorite quotes by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, is:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”

This quote changed how I approach planning for a new year. I used to get excited about setting goals—writing them down, creating a vision board, dreaming big. But then, reality would hit. Without the right systems in place, those goals would just remain wishes.

That’s why, before I even sit down to set goals for 2024, I focus on making sure my systems are solid. Because at the end of the day, goals don’t achieve themselves—your daily habits and routines do the heavy lifting.

A Biblical Perspective on Planning

I love incorporating scripture into my planning process. One verse that speaks to me during this season is Galatians 6:4-5 (AMP):

“But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work, examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior; and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another.”

This reminds me that planning for the new year is not about competition. It’s about personal growth, self-examination, and making sure I’m walking in alignment with God’s purpose for my life. It’s not about doing what everyone else is doing—it’s about creating systems that serve my unique calling.

Your Turn: Review and Update Your Systems

As we head into the new year, I encourage you to take some time to review and update your systems. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. List out the key areas of your life and business. Think about your routines, business processes, finances, and responsibilities.
2. Ask yourself the three key questions: What worked? What didn’t? What needs to change?
3. Make small, realistic adjustments. Don’t try to overhaul everything overnight—start with one or two small tweaks and build from there.

By doing this, you’ll set yourself up for success in 2024. You’ll have a solid foundation in place before you even start setting your goals!

Learn how to align your business systems with your vision

Final Thoughts

I hope this inspires you to take a deeper look at your systems and make intentional changes as you prepare for the new year. Remember, the key to achieving your goals isn’t just setting them—it’s making sure you have the right habits, routines, and workflows in place to support them.

Let me know—do you have a system for reviewing your year? What’s one system you’re planning to update before 2024? I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s to a well-organized, purpose-filled new year ahead!