December 30, 2024 • 27 mins
In this transformative episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias invites listeners to rethink their approach to New Year resolutions with an inspiring concept called "Questolutions." As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, Despina unpacks why traditional resolutions often falter and introduces a powerful alternative that encourages reflection, clarity, and action.
Drawing insights from a compelling article by Warren Berger, Despina explains how Questolutions—questions that inspire solutions—can lead to more meaningful personal and professional growth. Backed by scientific studies, this approach taps into our brain's natural affinity for questions, stimulating critical thinking and creativity.
Listeners are gifted with a set of 12 thought-provoking questions designed to guide reflection and planning for the new year. These questions aim to help you identify what worked well, learn from past challenges, and prioritise what truly matters in both business and personal life. From assessing energy-draining tasks to envisioning future excitement, these questions serve as a roadmap for a fulfilling and impactful 2025.
Despina shares her personal journey and the transformative impact of embracing Questolutions, encouraging listeners to reclaim the driver's seat in their lives and steer towards their goals with intention and purpose. By answering these questions, you're not just planning for the year ahead; you're laying the groundwork for intentional, transformative growth.
00:26 - Why Resolutions Fail
01:35 - Introducing Questolutions
02:50 - The Power of Questions
03:28 - 12 Questions for a Successful Year
07:09 - Reflecting on Successes and Failures
10:33 - Eliminating Low-Value Tasks
12:17 - Channeling Excitement into Action
13:19 - Minimizing Energy Drains
15:29 - Growth Through Discomfort
16:36 - Evaluating Your Circle
18:08 - Delegation for Growth
19:39 - Simplifying for Focus
20:42 - Creating and Letting Go
Connect with Despina Karatzias:
Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias
Follow us on social media for updates:
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
New year and new chapter ahead.
(00:03):
How are you feeling?
Green and growing or ripe and rotting?
This is my favorite weekof the year to get green.
We want to keep thatgreen and growing going.
Set new intentions
and in the context of this particularepisode, ask better questions.
(00:26):
Did you know that 80 percent ofNew Year's resolutions fail by
February, one month into the new year.
A study conducted by Forbes foundthat most resolutions are not making
it past the second month of the year.
Why?
Because they're often vague, guilt driven,or out of sync with what is happening.
(00:51):
The reality of our situationis to make them happen.
Like I want to exercise more or Iwant to grow my business or I want
to double my income are too broad andlack clear execution and a clear plan.
Hello wonderful humans of thevisceral economy and beyond and
(01:13):
welcome to the Tourism Hub podcast.
I am your proud hostDespina Kratias and today.
On the final day of 2024, we're going tounpack why traditional resolutions often
crumble and what you can do instead to setyourself up for success in the new year.
(01:35):
As we turn the page into 2025, I wantto share a powerful approach that's
really transformed how I do things,set my intentions for my personal, you
know, goals and also for my business.
It's a process that is further ignited byan incredible article that I've stumbled
(01:58):
across recently from the Guardian.
That's titled, Why Questolutionsare more effective than
resolutions by Warren Burger.
Questolutions I fell off my chairand it's one of those play on words
that I wish that I came up with.
(02:19):
Questolutions.
Don't you love that?
Questolutions are exactlywhat it sounds like.
Questions that inspire solutions.
And let me tell you, I wish I'd thoughtof this term myself because it perfectly
encapsulates how I tackle both personaland professional strategies, especially
(02:40):
when I'm finding funky or at a crossroad.
But this is exciting becausewe're all turning over into
a new chapter into our lives.
Science backs this up too.
Studies like those published in the
are wired for questions.
(03:01):
Questions stimulate criticalthinking, activate creativity
and encourage problem solving.
Unlike our resolutions, friends, whichoften feel like more like commands.
In fact, when we reflect throughquestions, we engage parts of
our beautiful brains that helpus stay motivated and focused.
(03:25):
And that's what this episode is about.
I'm going to share with you a brandnew set of 12 questions to guide your
reflection and your planning for 2025.
Think of them as your specialgift over 12 days of the new year.
These questions will help youreflect, recharge and reignite your
(03:49):
purpose, your passion for both whatyou're doing in your business and
in your personal day to day life.
Before we jump into the questions,however, let's explore a little
deeper why resolutions don't work.
We don't stick to resolutions becausewe lack motivation or willpower.
(04:15):
It's because Most resolutionsare fundamentally flawed,
and I'll tell you why.
They can be vague, like Imentioned earlier, resolutions
like wanting to lose weight.
A big one or improvemarketing in business sense.
(04:37):
Don't give clear pathand they're not active.
They don't give a clear path forward.
Okay.
We want to do that.
What now?
What do I need to do?
One January, two January, sixth ofJanuary, whenever we decide to begin.
They can be out of sync.
So resolutions can ignore your currenthabits or your current constraints,
(05:02):
your current resources, which can leadto frustration when they don't come
quickly or we can't stick to them.
And they're often guilt driven.
They're often based on what youthink you should do rather than what
aligns, what ignites and what doesn't.
(05:23):
is congruent with yourvalues and your aspirations.
So let's flip the scriptwith quest solutions and with
questions and why they work.
Because
number one, they are open ended andthey are rooted in curiosity, helping
(05:44):
us sit They prompt you to explorewhat's truly important, identify those
actionable steps, and create personalised,
and it creates something that isspecifically, uniquely, for you.
tailored to you, like a personalisedroadmap for your success or what
(06:08):
you want your new year to be.
And the beauty of a good questionis that it opens doors to self
awareness and further discovery.
In this episode, I'll walk you throughthese 12 powerful quest solutions designed
to help you gain clarity, prioritizeyour energy, and set a course for a
(06:31):
fulfilling and impactful year ahead.
Now, we're ready.
Here they are, the 12 questions tosit with your journal or your notebook
and ask yourself and answer thembecause they are designed to help you.
To inspire reflection, clarity, andaction in your business and life.
(06:57):
I've really done this , in a two packer.
What would we, you know, askingourselves these questions for business,
because that's what this is all about.
Experience making a business winning.
So that's where, how I've, Approachthese questions that I want you to think
about them for your business But I alsoI want you to be you know You hear these
(07:18):
things the best version of you and I doI genuinely want you to have the best
year yet So by taking the time to do thiswe give ourselves a better opportunity
to do that Have the best year yet andwork on being the best version of your
beautiful self So number one What hasworked well for me this year and why?
(07:45):
I want you to ask that of yourself.
Repeat after me.
What has worked well forme this year and why?
Start with a littlecelebration, my friend.
It's vital.
to acknowledge your winsbefore diving into what's next.
What the heck has happened this yearthat I can reflect and celebrate?
(08:08):
Perhaps a specific marketing strategybrought in a whole new influx of
customers and visitors to yourdestination or a collaboration
boosted visibility for your business.
Reflect on what madethose successes possible.
Was it the timing?
Was it your messaging orwas it a well executed plan?
(08:33):
In your personal life, a consistentmorning routine may have helped you
feel grounded or dedicating time toa hobby improved your well being.
Identifying why these effortsworked allows you to replicate
and build on them in the new year.
Number two, what didn'twork and what can I learn?
(08:58):
Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.
I heard that in a audio book thatI was listening to in my car the
other day and it made me stop itso I could listen to it again.
Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.
(09:18):
C's never made skill sailors.
So in this question of number two,what didn't work and what can I learn
helps you look at failures as valuablelessons in disguise for business.
Maybe an initiative didn't landwith your audience or a platform you
invested in didn't deliver results.
(09:41):
Ask yourself, was the approach flawed?
or the wrong audience.
The goal is to extract insights,not dwell on the setbacks.
Perhaps a goal like running threetimes a week in your personal
day to day felt unachievable.
Instead of labelling it as a failure,reflect on whether the goal was realistic.
(10:04):
Or if you lack the right support,most importantly, what changes can
you make for a better outcome in 2025?
So by reflecting on what didn't workor what didn't go well, we want to
flip that with an action of what didI learn and what can I do better?
(10:28):
Or you know, what changes canI make for better outcomes?
Okay.
Number three, what tasks in my lifeor business bring the least value
and what should I do about them?
So think about your return onyour energy, on your finances,
(10:50):
on your relationship building.
I want you to think about what you'redoing that bringing you the least value.
We all have tasks that drain timeTime and energy without contributing
meaningfully to our values andpurpose, or more importantly
in business, our profitability.
(11:13):
For business, this could mean manualprocesses that could be automated or
outdated strategy you're holding on to.
out of habit.
Ask yourself, would anyone missthis task if I stopped doing it?
If the answer is no, time to eliminate.
(11:35):
No deal.
We stop.
If yes, ask yourself, could someone elsetake ownership of this task entirely?
And what's stopping me from delegatingor eliminating it today, before
we even get into the new year.
In your personal life, considerthe errands or commitments
(11:57):
that clutter your schedule.
Simplify by identifying what truly mattersand and letting go of the rest that don't.
Number four, Numero cuatro,or number, uh, tesera.
I had to think about that in Greek.
Number four.
(12:17):
What excites me about the future and howcan I channel that into actionable steps?
Excitement fuels the future.
In business, you might be planningto launch a new experience
or expand into a new market.
Break it down.
What steps do I need to taketo bring this vision to life?
(12:42):
Personally, maybe what excites you isabout, you know, taking a long overdue
holiday or starting a creative projectthat has nothing to do with business
or a side hustle that can give you anew Income, translate that excitement
into tangible milestones, like bookinga trip or dedicating specific time
(13:08):
each week to this new passion project.
Okay, now we move on.
To number five, the flipside of what excites you.
Number five, what drains meand how can I minimise it?
Energy draining activitiescan hinder so much.
(13:31):
Especially progress.
In business this could mean dealing withrepetitive customer inquiries without
a proper FAQ or a support system.
Ask yourself, how can I streamline Ordelegate this in your personal life.
Maybe it's saying yes to too manysocial obligations, setting boundaries
(13:56):
and prioritising what truly brings youjoy can free up energy by reflecting
on what has sucked the joy out of you.
You can be more mindful infuture to stick to what fuels and
ignites you and what matters most.
Okay, we're moving on to number six.
(14:20):
What feels good but is not good for me?
Growth requires somelooking in the mirror.
And that's requiring some honesty.
For businesses, this might involvesticking with comfortable and outdated
methods, rather than embracinginnovative strategies and learning
(14:43):
something new and doing something new.
You know the saying, insanity isdoing the same thing over and over
and expecting a different result.
Recognise the long term trade offsand ask, what steps can I take to
transition to something more effectiveand aligned to my business goals?
(15:06):
In your personal life, it could bespending too much time on activities
like binge watching shows orexcessive scrolling on social media.
While it feels good in the moment,it may take away from time spent
on more fulfilling pursuits.
We're moving on.
We're now on the back half.
(15:29):
What doesn't feel good but is good for me?
You like that one?
What doesn't feel good, but you knowis good for you and the greater good.
Growth often lies outsideof your comfort zone.
For business, this might meantackling tasks like public speaking,
(15:50):
recording video content, networking,or going out and going after that
sale, which can feel daunting buthave significant long term benefits.
Personally, it could mean committing tohealthier habits like exercising on the
daily or setting aside time for selfreflection, even making an apology.
(16:14):
These actions may not feel greatinitially, but they build resilience
and contribute to a better you,to your wellbeing and to your
business and your personal growth.
Number eight.
I don't know any more of the numero,but I know it's number ochto.
(16:34):
Number eight.
Who in my circle is helping me get closerto my goals and who is pulling me away?
This is like a bit of takingstock of your surroundings and the
people that you have around you.
In.
Particularly in your, I mean notparticularly, really, we're talking
(16:57):
business and your personal life.
Who in my circle is helping me get closerto my goals and who is pulling me away?
Your environment shapes your success.
Now, with more years and chapters onme, I can speak to this first hand.
Reflect on the people whouplift and inspire you.
(17:21):
Whether it's your teammates,your mentors, your collaborators,
or your closest friends.
You don't even have to know these people.
And it could be people you follow.
Ask yourself who challenges you the most.
To be better, to do better.
(17:41):
On the flip side, rememberquestion number five?
Asking yourself, what drains you?
Here, I want you to identify who.
that person needs and therelationships that drain your
energy or pull you off course.
Taking stock of these dynamics allowsyou to nurture positive connections
(18:05):
and set boundaries where needed.
Number nine, if I had to hand off tworesponsibilities, what should they be?
And to who should I hand them off to?
Delegation is critical for growth.
Something big, huge.
I've learnt for, in myreflection, in me doing this.
(18:29):
This might mean handing over timeconsuming tasks like your social media
management, All your admin work to freeup your focus for strategy and innovation.
Ask yourself who on my team or in mynetwork is better suited for these tasks.
(18:49):
In your personal life, think aboutresponsibilities that could be shared
like household chores or managingschedules, especially for those of us.
with familia, family, icogenia, withfamily responsibilities and managing
not only your own schedule, butchildren's, sports, school, and then
(19:13):
multiple, you know, after if you'vegot more than one, there's multiples.
You know, How can I think about this andget some help in delegating these tasks?
This can create space for what onlyyou do and what you do best and help
you with all the other good stuff inyour growth, both in your business,
(19:36):
your career, and in your personal life.
Number 10, how can I simplify my life andbusiness to focus on what matters most?
A simple question that canevoke the greatest change.
Complexity can lead to overwhelm.
For business, this might meanconsolidating your experiences or your
(20:01):
products or your services to focus on yourmost profitable or impactful services.
Ask, what can I remove to createmore clarity, efficiency, and value?
and profitability.
In your personal life, this couldmean decluttering your space or
streamlining your daily routines.
(20:23):
Simplicity isn't about doing less.
It's about doing what truly aligns withyour goals and with your values and
what you want most out of your new year.
Second last one.
Number 11.
What do I want to create?
(20:44):
And what's my first step?
This question is about seeingit, being it, and then getting
on with it and doing it.
It's about, you know, when you'relooking at your business, maybe
it's launching a new product.
product or a new collaboration or a newpackage or expanding into a new market.
(21:10):
Define your first step.
Do I need research?
Do I need to pick up thephone and call someone, meet
someone, do coffee with someone?
Or do I need funding to get started?
In your personal life it could meanpursuing a long held dream like
learning a new skill, a new language.
(21:30):
Or starting a side projector pursuing a hobby or sport.
Begin with a small achievable actionthat sets this process in motion.
And the finale.
What will I leave behind in 2024 tomake space for the new year in 2025?
(21:53):
Growth requires let it go, let it go.
So sorry about that.
That was not part of the plan, butyou know, we've got to get the Anna
and Elsa's Okay, frozen reference,but growth requires letting go.
This means dropping a service or astrategy that no longer serves your
(22:19):
business, your team, your goals.
It could mean leaving the business.
Behind limited beliefs, toxicrelationships, or unhelpful habits that
have made you feel good in the moment,but no longer serve where you need to go.
So we have to let it go.
(22:40):
By consciously deciding what toleave behind, you create room for
newness, new opportunities, newexperiences in the year ahead.
That's the 12 questions, and byreflecting on these questions that offer
solutions for you, you're doing morethan just planning for the year ahead.
(23:05):
You're laying the groundwork forintentional, transformative change.
And I'm not here telling you to do as Isay, this is coming from a place of do as
I do, like everything I teach and deliver.
As I have walked this path myself and theconsistency of delivering this podcast
(23:27):
weekly this year has been a result.
of this very exercise.
I've just tweaked it a little bitextend it to 12 questions because I
like this kind of like play on 12 daysof Christmas to 12 days of New Year.
Taking the time to ask and answer thesequestions has given me personally in my
(23:50):
business and in many other businessesthat I've helped many, many times.
Oppa moments, my aha moments, such as whenI've realised when I'd been in my life
of Despina's driver's seat, and when I'dlet myself slip into the passenger seat.
(24:10):
This metaphor is something I often usewith clients to help them take ownership.
And I found that this exercise hasbeen invaluable in refocusing on
areas where you're not comfortable.
I've personally lost directionbeing a passenger in someone else's
bus and pulling myself up to getback behind the wheel of my own
(24:33):
vehicle and drive my own path.
So take the time to answerthese thoughtfully, write
them down and revisit them.
Let these questions guide you inreclaiming the driver's seat and steering
towards your goals and what you valuemost and what you want to achieve most
(24:54):
in 2025 because that's going to happen
think about this as you push it outto the year ahead because it will come
with good health and good fortune.
It's going to be 31 December2025, a year from now.
A small task like this can helpyou be reflective on that year.
(25:17):
What do you want to becelebrating a year from now?
So here's the action plan.
Take time.
Over the next week.
To answer these questions fully andhonestly, reflect deeply, write your
answers down, and revisit them throughoutthe year as a framework for clarity,
(25:39):
focus, and intentional action in 2025.
That's a wrap for 2024.
If you're taking time off, continueto enjoy time with your loved ones.
Rest and reflect.
Most importantly, look After you.
And if like me, you are poweringthrough the same applies.
Rest as much as you can andlook after yourself because
(26:00):
there's no next level business.
If there's no next levelignited healthy you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, UR, for joiningme on the Tourism Hub Podcast
as we close out this year.
2024.
Remember, growth isn't about doing more.
It's about doing what matters most.
(26:22):
Take these 12 questions andlet them guide you to a year of
purpose, progress, and impact.
If you love this episode, hit Pleaseleave a review and hit subscribe.
We are continuing well into thenew year, , so you never miss one.
And here's to ignitingexcellence in the year ahead.
Until next time, my friends,stay inspired, stay ignited.
(26:45):
And here's to doing better in thenew year than we did in the last.
Happiest new year, loveand blessings, everyone.
New year and new chapter ahead.
(00:03):
How are you feeling?
Green and growing or ripe and rotting?
This is my favorite weekof the year to get green.
We want to keep thatgreen and growing going.
Set new intentions
and in the context of this particularepisode, ask better questions.
(00:26):
Did you know that 80 percent ofNew Year's resolutions fail by
February, one month into the new year.
A study conducted by Forbes foundthat most resolutions are not making
it past the second month of the year.
Why?
Because they're often vague, guilt driven,or out of sync with what is happening.
(00:51):
The reality of our situationis to make them happen.
Like I want to exercise more or Iwant to grow my business or I want
to double my income are too broad andlack clear execution and a clear plan.
Hello wonderful humans of thevisceral economy and beyond and
(01:13):
welcome to the Tourism Hub podcast.
I am your proud hostDespina Kratias and today.
On the final day of 2024, we're going tounpack why traditional resolutions often
crumble and what you can do instead to setyourself up for success in the new year.
(01:35):
As we turn the page into 2025, I wantto share a powerful approach that's
really transformed how I do things,set my intentions for my personal, you
know, goals and also for my business.
It's a process that is further ignited byan incredible article that I've stumbled
(01:58):
across recently from the Guardian.
That's titled, Why Questolutionsare more effective than
resolutions by Warren Burger.
Questolutions I fell off my chairand it's one of those play on words
that I wish that I came up with.
(02:19):
Questolutions.
Don't you love that?
Questolutions are exactlywhat it sounds like.
Questions that inspire solutions.
And let me tell you, I wish I'd thoughtof this term myself because it perfectly
encapsulates how I tackle both personaland professional strategies, especially
(02:40):
when I'm finding funky or at a crossroad.
But this is exciting becausewe're all turning over into
a new chapter into our lives.
Science backs this up too.
Studies like those published in the
are wired for questions.
(03:01):
Questions stimulate criticalthinking, activate creativity
and encourage problem solving.
Unlike our resolutions, friends, whichoften feel like more like commands.
In fact, when we reflect throughquestions, we engage parts of
our beautiful brains that helpus stay motivated and focused.
(03:25):
And that's what this episode is about.
I'm going to share with you a brandnew set of 12 questions to guide your
reflection and your planning for 2025.
Think of them as your specialgift over 12 days of the new year.
These questions will help youreflect, recharge and reignite your
(03:49):
purpose, your passion for both whatyou're doing in your business and
in your personal day to day life.
Before we jump into the questions,however, let's explore a little
deeper why resolutions don't work.
We don't stick to resolutions becausewe lack motivation or willpower.
(04:15):
It's because Most resolutionsare fundamentally flawed,
and I'll tell you why.
They can be vague, like Imentioned earlier, resolutions
like wanting to lose weight.
A big one or improvemarketing in business sense.
(04:37):
Don't give clear pathand they're not active.
They don't give a clear path forward.
Okay.
We want to do that.
What now?
What do I need to do?
One January, two January, sixth ofJanuary, whenever we decide to begin.
They can be out of sync.
So resolutions can ignore your currenthabits or your current constraints,
(05:02):
your current resources, which can leadto frustration when they don't come
quickly or we can't stick to them.
And they're often guilt driven.
They're often based on what youthink you should do rather than what
aligns, what ignites and what doesn't.
(05:23):
is congruent with yourvalues and your aspirations.
So let's flip the scriptwith quest solutions and with
questions and why they work.
Because
number one, they are open ended andthey are rooted in curiosity, helping
(05:44):
us sit They prompt you to explorewhat's truly important, identify those
actionable steps, and create personalised,
and it creates something that isspecifically, uniquely, for you.
tailored to you, like a personalisedroadmap for your success or what
(06:08):
you want your new year to be.
And the beauty of a good questionis that it opens doors to self
awareness and further discovery.
In this episode, I'll walk you throughthese 12 powerful quest solutions designed
to help you gain clarity, prioritizeyour energy, and set a course for a
(06:31):
fulfilling and impactful year ahead.
Now, we're ready.
Here they are, the 12 questions tosit with your journal or your notebook
and ask yourself and answer thembecause they are designed to help you.
To inspire reflection, clarity, andaction in your business and life.
(06:57):
I've really done this , in a two packer.
What would we, you know, askingourselves these questions for business,
because that's what this is all about.
Experience making a business winning.
So that's where, how I've, Approachthese questions that I want you to think
about them for your business But I alsoI want you to be you know You hear these
(07:18):
things the best version of you and I doI genuinely want you to have the best
year yet So by taking the time to do thiswe give ourselves a better opportunity
to do that Have the best year yet andwork on being the best version of your
beautiful self So number one What hasworked well for me this year and why?
(07:45):
I want you to ask that of yourself.
Repeat after me.
What has worked well forme this year and why?
Start with a littlecelebration, my friend.
It's vital.
to acknowledge your winsbefore diving into what's next.
What the heck has happened this yearthat I can reflect and celebrate?
(08:08):
Perhaps a specific marketing strategybrought in a whole new influx of
customers and visitors to yourdestination or a collaboration
boosted visibility for your business.
Reflect on what madethose successes possible.
Was it the timing?
Was it your messaging orwas it a well executed plan?
(08:33):
In your personal life, a consistentmorning routine may have helped you
feel grounded or dedicating time toa hobby improved your well being.
Identifying why these effortsworked allows you to replicate
and build on them in the new year.
Number two, what didn'twork and what can I learn?
(08:58):
Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.
I heard that in a audio book thatI was listening to in my car the
other day and it made me stop itso I could listen to it again.
Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.
(09:18):
C's never made skill sailors.
So in this question of number two,what didn't work and what can I learn
helps you look at failures as valuablelessons in disguise for business.
Maybe an initiative didn't landwith your audience or a platform you
invested in didn't deliver results.
(09:41):
Ask yourself, was the approach flawed?
or the wrong audience.
The goal is to extract insights,not dwell on the setbacks.
Perhaps a goal like running threetimes a week in your personal
day to day felt unachievable.
Instead of labelling it as a failure,reflect on whether the goal was realistic.
(10:04):
Or if you lack the right support,most importantly, what changes can
you make for a better outcome in 2025?
So by reflecting on what didn't workor what didn't go well, we want to
flip that with an action of what didI learn and what can I do better?
(10:28):
Or you know, what changes canI make for better outcomes?
Okay.
Number three, what tasks in my lifeor business bring the least value
and what should I do about them?
So think about your return onyour energy, on your finances,
(10:50):
on your relationship building.
I want you to think about what you'redoing that bringing you the least value.
We all have tasks that drain timeTime and energy without contributing
meaningfully to our values andpurpose, or more importantly
in business, our profitability.
(11:13):
For business, this could mean manualprocesses that could be automated or
outdated strategy you're holding on to.
out of habit.
Ask yourself, would anyone missthis task if I stopped doing it?
If the answer is no, time to eliminate.
(11:35):
No deal.
We stop.
If yes, ask yourself, could someone elsetake ownership of this task entirely?
And what's stopping me from delegatingor eliminating it today, before
we even get into the new year.
In your personal life, considerthe errands or commitments
(11:57):
that clutter your schedule.
Simplify by identifying what truly mattersand and letting go of the rest that don't.
Number four, Numero cuatro,or number, uh, tesera.
I had to think about that in Greek.
Number four.
(12:17):
What excites me about the future and howcan I channel that into actionable steps?
Excitement fuels the future.
In business, you might be planningto launch a new experience
or expand into a new market.
Break it down.
What steps do I need to taketo bring this vision to life?
(12:42):
Personally, maybe what excites you isabout, you know, taking a long overdue
holiday or starting a creative projectthat has nothing to do with business
or a side hustle that can give you anew Income, translate that excitement
into tangible milestones, like bookinga trip or dedicating specific time
(13:08):
each week to this new passion project.
Okay, now we move on.
To number five, the flipside of what excites you.
Number five, what drains meand how can I minimise it?
Energy draining activitiescan hinder so much.
(13:31):
Especially progress.
In business this could mean dealing withrepetitive customer inquiries without
a proper FAQ or a support system.
Ask yourself, how can I streamline Ordelegate this in your personal life.
Maybe it's saying yes to too manysocial obligations, setting boundaries
(13:56):
and prioritising what truly brings youjoy can free up energy by reflecting
on what has sucked the joy out of you.
You can be more mindful infuture to stick to what fuels and
ignites you and what matters most.
Okay, we're moving on to number six.
(14:20):
What feels good but is not good for me?
Growth requires somelooking in the mirror.
And that's requiring some honesty.
For businesses, this might involvesticking with comfortable and outdated
methods, rather than embracinginnovative strategies and learning
(14:43):
something new and doing something new.
You know the saying, insanity isdoing the same thing over and over
and expecting a different result.
Recognise the long term trade offsand ask, what steps can I take to
transition to something more effectiveand aligned to my business goals?
(15:06):
In your personal life, it could bespending too much time on activities
like binge watching shows orexcessive scrolling on social media.
While it feels good in the moment,it may take away from time spent
on more fulfilling pursuits.
We're moving on.
We're now on the back half.
(15:29):
What doesn't feel good but is good for me?
You like that one?
What doesn't feel good, but you knowis good for you and the greater good.
Growth often lies outsideof your comfort zone.
For business, this might meantackling tasks like public speaking,
(15:50):
recording video content, networking,or going out and going after that
sale, which can feel daunting buthave significant long term benefits.
Personally, it could mean committing tohealthier habits like exercising on the
daily or setting aside time for selfreflection, even making an apology.
(16:14):
These actions may not feel greatinitially, but they build resilience
and contribute to a better you,to your wellbeing and to your
business and your personal growth.
Number eight.
I don't know any more of the numero,but I know it's number ochto.
(16:34):
Number eight.
Who in my circle is helping me get closerto my goals and who is pulling me away?
This is like a bit of takingstock of your surroundings and the
people that you have around you.
In.
Particularly in your, I mean notparticularly, really, we're talking
(16:57):
business and your personal life.
Who in my circle is helping me get closerto my goals and who is pulling me away?
Your environment shapes your success.
Now, with more years and chapters onme, I can speak to this first hand.
Reflect on the people whouplift and inspire you.
(17:21):
Whether it's your teammates,your mentors, your collaborators,
or your closest friends.
You don't even have to know these people.
And it could be people you follow.
Ask yourself who challenges you the most.
To be better, to do better.
(17:41):
On the flip side, rememberquestion number five?
Asking yourself, what drains you?
Here, I want you to identify who.
that person needs and therelationships that drain your
energy or pull you off course.
Taking stock of these dynamics allowsyou to nurture positive connections
(18:05):
and set boundaries where needed.
Number nine, if I had to hand off tworesponsibilities, what should they be?
And to who should I hand them off to?
Delegation is critical for growth.
Something big, huge.
I've learnt for, in myreflection, in me doing this.
(18:29):
This might mean handing over timeconsuming tasks like your social media
management, All your admin work to freeup your focus for strategy and innovation.
Ask yourself who on my team or in mynetwork is better suited for these tasks.
(18:49):
In your personal life, think aboutresponsibilities that could be shared
like household chores or managingschedules, especially for those of us.
with familia, family, icogenia, withfamily responsibilities and managing
not only your own schedule, butchildren's, sports, school, and then
(19:13):
multiple, you know, after if you'vegot more than one, there's multiples.
You know, How can I think about this andget some help in delegating these tasks?
This can create space for what onlyyou do and what you do best and help
you with all the other good stuff inyour growth, both in your business,
(19:36):
your career, and in your personal life.
Number 10, how can I simplify my life andbusiness to focus on what matters most?
A simple question that canevoke the greatest change.
Complexity can lead to overwhelm.
For business, this might meanconsolidating your experiences or your
(20:01):
products or your services to focus on yourmost profitable or impactful services.
Ask, what can I remove to createmore clarity, efficiency, and value?
and profitability.
In your personal life, this couldmean decluttering your space or
streamlining your daily routines.
(20:23):
Simplicity isn't about doing less.
It's about doing what truly aligns withyour goals and with your values and
what you want most out of your new year.
Second last one.
Number 11.
What do I want to create?
(20:44):
And what's my first step?
This question is about seeingit, being it, and then getting
on with it and doing it.
It's about, you know, when you'relooking at your business, maybe
it's launching a new product.
product or a new collaboration or a newpackage or expanding into a new market.
(21:10):
Define your first step.
Do I need research?
Do I need to pick up thephone and call someone, meet
someone, do coffee with someone?
Or do I need funding to get started?
In your personal life it could meanpursuing a long held dream like
learning a new skill, a new language.
(21:30):
Or starting a side projector pursuing a hobby or sport.
Begin with a small achievable actionthat sets this process in motion.
And the finale.
What will I leave behind in 2024 tomake space for the new year in 2025?
(21:53):
Growth requires let it go, let it go.
So sorry about that.
That was not part of the plan, butyou know, we've got to get the Anna
and Elsa's Okay, frozen reference,but growth requires letting go.
This means dropping a service or astrategy that no longer serves your
(22:19):
business, your team, your goals.
It could mean leaving the business.
Behind limited beliefs, toxicrelationships, or unhelpful habits that
have made you feel good in the moment,but no longer serve where you need to go.
So we have to let it go.
(22:40):
By consciously deciding what toleave behind, you create room for
newness, new opportunities, newexperiences in the year ahead.
That's the 12 questions, and byreflecting on these questions that offer
solutions for you, you're doing morethan just planning for the year ahead.
(23:05):
You're laying the groundwork forintentional, transformative change.
And I'm not here telling you to do as Isay, this is coming from a place of do as
I do, like everything I teach and deliver.
As I have walked this path myself and theconsistency of delivering this podcast
(23:27):
weekly this year has been a result.
of this very exercise.
I've just tweaked it a little bitextend it to 12 questions because I
like this kind of like play on 12 daysof Christmas to 12 days of New Year.
Taking the time to ask and answer thesequestions has given me personally in my
(23:50):
business and in many other businessesthat I've helped many, many times.
Oppa moments, my aha moments, such as whenI've realised when I'd been in my life
of Despina's driver's seat, and when I'dlet myself slip into the passenger seat.
(24:10):
This metaphor is something I often usewith clients to help them take ownership.
And I found that this exercise hasbeen invaluable in refocusing on
areas where you're not comfortable.
I've personally lost directionbeing a passenger in someone else's
bus and pulling myself up to getback behind the wheel of my own
(24:33):
vehicle and drive my own path.
So take the time to answerthese thoughtfully, write
them down and revisit them.
Let these questions guide you inreclaiming the driver's seat and steering
towards your goals and what you valuemost and what you want to achieve most
(24:54):
in 2025 because that's going to happen
think about this as you push it outto the year ahead because it will come
with good health and good fortune.
It's going to be 31 December2025, a year from now.
A small task like this can helpyou be reflective on that year.
(25:17):
What do you want to becelebrating a year from now?
So here's the action plan.
Take time.
Over the next week.
To answer these questions fully andhonestly, reflect deeply, write your
answers down, and revisit them throughoutthe year as a framework for clarity,
(25:39):
focus, and intentional action in 2025.
That's a wrap for 2024.
If you're taking time off, continueto enjoy time with your loved ones.
Rest and reflect.
Most importantly, look After you.
And if like me, you are poweringthrough the same applies.
Rest as much as you can andlook after yourself because
(26:00):
there's no next level business.
If there's no next levelignited healthy you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, UR, for joiningme on the Tourism Hub Podcast
as we close out this year.
2024.
Remember, growth isn't about doing more.
It's about doing what matters most.
(26:22):
Take these 12 questions andlet them guide you to a year of
purpose, progress, and impact.
If you love this episode, hit Pleaseleave a review and hit subscribe.
We are continuing well into thenew year, , so you never miss one.
And here's to ignitingexcellence in the year ahead.
Until next time, my friends,stay inspired, stay ignited.
(26:45):
And here's to doing better in thenew year than we did in the last.
Happiest new year, loveand blessings, everyone.
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