Scale Your Small Business

This week, we're answering the question "what is an LLC?" An LLC, or limited liability corporation, is one type of legal entity that can be formed to operate your business. It can certainly be intimidating to consider making this switch, but it's important that you know what it is. Today, we're going to break down the pros and cons of becoming an LLC.

As we saw before, an LLC is or limited liability corporation is one type of legal entity that can be formed to operate your business. LLCs are popular because they provide the same limited liability as a corporation, but are easier and cheaper to run. If you're starting a business or currently running a business as a sole proprietor, you might consider forming an LLC. This is especially true if you are concerned about limiting your personal legal liability, as much as possible.

First, let's go over the benefits of starting an LLC for your business.

Number one is personal asset protection. As its name states, an LLC provides you and/or your business owners with limited liability. That means that you, the LLC owner, are generally not personally liable for any debts incurred by your LLC business or most business-related lawsuits. Because you're not personally liable, creditors or people who file lawsuits against your LLCs can't collect against your personal assets, like your personal bank accounts, personal car loans. They're limited to collecting your LLC's assets, like the LLC's bank account.

The second benefit of an LLC is pass-through taxation. The profits or losses that the business incurs pass through the business to the owner's personal tax return, such profits are taxed under the owner's personal tax return. Single-member LLCs are usually taxed the same as sole proprietors. The owner reports the LLC's profits, losses, deductions, or schedule Cs and files it with his or her personal tax return. An LLC with two or more members is usually treated as a partnership for tax purposes. The profits or losses are reported on the owner's personal tax returns and taxed at their personal rates. Because LLCs are usually pass-through entities, their owners can qualify for special pass-through tax deductions. This deduction took effect in 2018 and is scheduled to continue through 2025. Again, consult your tax professional for specifics, anything to do with tax laws.

One note about taxes: LLCs can also choose how they want to be taxed. They are usually taxed as sole proprietorships or partnerships, but multi-member LLCs or sole proprietor LLCs have the option of choosing to be taxed like a corporation. This is easily accomplished by filing a document called an election with the IRS. With corporate taxation, the corporation pays taxes on the business profits at the corporate tax rate. With S-corporation treatment, the LLC remains a pass-through entity with profits passed through the business to the owners to be taxed at their individual tax rates. But such distributions are not subject to social security and Medicare taxes.

Number three, simplicity. An LLC is the simplest business entity to form and operate. Unlike with a corporation, it's not necessary to have officers, directors, a board or shareholder meetings or other administrative burdens that sometimes come with having a corporation.

Fourth is flexibility. LLCs provide enormous flexibility when it comes to ownership, management, and taxation, there's no minimum or maximum limits on the number of owners, also called members. Many LLCs only have one member, like me, but an LLC can have five, 10 or hundreds of members. LLCs can be managed by their members, that is, all the owners share responsibility for the day-to-day running of businesses. They also have the option of designating one or more managers to run the business. Managers can be designated members, non-members, or a combination of anything in between.

Forming an LLC to own and run your business helps give you credibility, it reassures customers that yours is a real business. You'll also have an official name to use!

Now, let's talk about some possible downsides to an LLC.

Number one: cost. It generally costs more to form and operate an LLC than to just be a sole proprietor or a partnership. Filing fees must be paid to legally establish the LLC. Although not legally required, it is highly desirable for LLCs to adopt a written LLC operating agreement, laying out how the LLC will be governed. Once the LLC is formed annual fees and taxes will be paid to the state. This can vary from state to state, so again, check with your expert team and your state laws.

Number two is investment disadvantages. LLCs are not ideal for business owners who seek outside investors. This is particularly true if you're looking for funding from venture capitalists who ordinarily will only fund corporations. Corporations work best for outside investments because stock can be issued in exchange for investor's money. Outside investors can invest in LLCs and receive LLC ownership interests, but this can be more complicated than with a corporation.

Key Takeaways

Pros of LLCs:

• Personal Asset protection. As its name states, an LLC provides you and/or your business owners with limited liability. That means that you, the LLC owner, are generally not personally liable for any debts incurred by your LLC business or most business-related lawsuits.

• Pass-through Taxation. The second benefit of an LLC is pass-through taxation. The profits or losses that the business incurs pass through the business to the owner's personal tax return, such profits are taxed under the owner's personal tax return.

• Simplicity. An LLC is the simplest business entity to form and operate. Unlike with a corporation, it's not necessary to have officers, directors, a board or shareholder meetings, or other administrative burdens that sometimes come with having a corporation.

• Flexibility. LLCs provide enormous flexibility when it comes to ownership, management, and taxation, there's no minimum or maximum limits on the number of owners, also called members.

• Credibility. It reassures customers that yours is a real business. You'll also have an official name to use!

Cons of LLCs

• Cost. It generally costs more to form and operate an LLC than to just be a sole proprietor or a partnership. Filing fees must be paid to legally establish the LLC.

Investment disadvantages. LLCs are not ideal for business owners who seek outside investors. This is particularly true if you're looking for funding from venture capitalists who ordinarily will only fund corporations.

Welcome back to the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom. This week, we're diving into the namesake of the show--scaling your business. There are a number of steps you can take to effectively grow a healthy business, but first, you need to lay the foundation. Today, we're talking about a few actionable steps you can take to see an immediate impact.

On a weekly basis, log on to your bank accounts. Not only to check your balances, to ensure things were paid on time, and clear any outstanding transactions, but also to solidify that no unnecessary, or even non-authorized money is moving out of your accounts.

Scan and file all your paperwork from the previous week. During this weekly review, look at your previous calendar data, making sure that if anybody you need to follow up with this week from the previous week are added to your schedule. You're reviewing my upcoming appointments to make sure you have adequate time to plan, prepare, get water between meetings, and anything else you need time for. Once it's on paper, you don't need to stress so hard about it. Then, look at your 'next actions' list to mentally prepare what's coming up and what's on your plate.

Keep track of when you're spending money. On every 10th and 25th of the month, pay those bills. Add up all the new deposits in your receivable accounts for each separate business you have. Then, multiply them by whatever percentage you've chosen. Make sure you start small--don't start with 15%. Finally, make your transfers. From your receivable account to your profit account, then again from receivable to your tax account, then from receivable to payable. And any other money that's leftover gets transferred from receivable to your vault account. Check out previous podcasts to hear how Jillian breaks down her accounts!

Every quarter, check your credit score. Just like checking your bank account balances every day, it's something that you can catch ahead of time. Fraud can lock up your credit score and hurt in the long run, so stay vigilant and get on top of problems early.

File your annual report for the business. This is something you may want to defer to your accountant to make sure that you may be paying quarterly versus annually. Make sure that you check with your team and your experts on that before making those payments.

Key Takeaways

1. Weekly: Log on to your bank accounts. Not only to check your balances, to ensure things were paid on time, and clear any outstanding transactions, but also to solidify that no unnecessary, or even non-authorized money is moving out of your accounts.
2. Weekly: Scan and file all your paperwork from the previous week. Double-check that meetings from the previous week are added to your schedule. Make sure you have adequate time to plan, prepare, get water between meetings, and anything else you need time for. Then, look at your 'next actions' list to mentally prepare what's coming up and what's on your plate.
3. Monthly: Keep track of when you're spending money. On every 10th and 25th of the month, pay those bills. Add up all the new deposits in your receivable accounts for each separate business you have. Then, multiply them by whatever percentage you've chosen. Move your transfers appropriately!
4. Quarterly: Check your credit score. Just like checking your bank account balances every day, it's something that you can catch ahead of time. Fraud can lock up your credit score and hurt in the long run, so stay vigilant and get on top of problems early.

Yearly: File your annual report for the business. This is something you may want to defer to your accountant to make sure that you may be paying quarterly versus annually. Make sure that you check with your team and your experts on that before making those payments.

Welcome back to the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom! This week, we're talking about choosing a life insurance policy. This is an incredibly impactful and important choice that can often leave your head spinning. But, if we take it slow, break it down, and walk through the process, you'll come out informed and confident in choosing a plan that works for your and your loved ones.

As you get started selecting a life insurance policy, consider where you are in the walk of life, what your needs are, and what your goals and desired outcomes are from making this choice. Get clear on your situation and allow it to guide your selection.

Understand that there are different types of plans and policies, the most common types of life insurance policies are term versus permanent. Term policies are like renting a house--you're also renting the insurance. So, just like when you're renting a house, when the term has expired, the policy's over with. Just like when you rent a home, when you move out of the home, you take your stuff, but you don't get any of the equity. Flip-flop that and you have permanent policies--ones that come with you regardless of term. It has cash value, the same way purchasing a home would when you go to sell it.

Consider how much coverage you really need. You don't want to ever be over-insured. Ask yourself, "If something were to have happened last night, what would I need? This will put the policy you need into perspective. You want to make sure that you have enough money to make any payments that you want to make, pay anything off you need to, but also give yourself adequate time to grieve that person's loss and to ensure that your lifestyle doesn't have to change because that person is no longer there.

Get familiar with the application process. It's fairly easy--you fill out an application and have a medical exam performed. That information is sent to the agent and reviewed in the form of a medical credit report. From there, adjustments can be made. Don't worry though, not all adjustments are bad! You may be in better health than you expected.

Finally, it's up to you to choose where you purchase your policy. Your choices are a smaller local agent or a large national agency. Larger agencies have the benefit of being around for a long time and offer decent ratings on a large scale. Local agents are able to communicate and build a relationship with you throughout the process and tackle any challenges that come up in-stride and alongside you.

Key Takeaways:

• Get clear on your situation and allow it to guide your selection. Know where you are in the walk of life, what your needs are, and what your goals and desired outcomes are from making this choice.

• Consider how much coverage you really need. You don't want to ever be over-insured. Ask yourself, "If something were to have happened last night, what would I need? This will put the policy you need into perspective.

• Get familiar with the application process. It's fairly easy--you fill out an application and have a medical exam performed. That information is sent to the agent and reviewed in the form of a medical credit report. From there, adjustments can be made.

• Choose where you purchase your policy. Your choices are a smaller local agent or a large national agency. Larger agencies have the benefit of being around for a long time and offer decent ratings on a large scale. Local agents are able to communicate and build a relationship with you throughout the process and tackle any challenges that come up in-stride and alongside you.

LINKS

hijillian.com

This week's topic on the Scale Your Small Business Podcast is a hot one. Every successful business utilizes technology, but how can you ensure your company is making the most of the software you have? This week, we're breaking down what programs you should have to streamline, organize, and scale your small business.

First things first: if you're going to look into purchasing or implementing new software or technology, make sure you check with your team--especially your back-end team and accountants--to ensure that they can coordinate with it. It's not worth investing time, money, and energy if your team can't actually use the software you're looking into.

QuickBooks is an extraordinary online tool that can help you keep your bank statements, accounts, purchase orders, and more organized. This program can identify frequent areas of purchase, allows you to quickly swipe through purchases, placing them in the correct folders, and manage transactions.

While software is an additional initial expense for your business, when combined with a skilled bookkeeper, it becomes a worthwhile investment that will save you stress, money, and time.

No matter what software you choose to go with, set a deadline and sit down with your accountant to make a choice. Start getting into a habit of downloading bank statements early and often, and give your business the headstart it deserves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Make sure you check with your team--especially your back-end team and accountants--to ensure that they can coordinate with it. It's not worth investing time, money, and energy if your team can't actually use the software you're looking into.
2. QuickBooks is an extraordinary online tool that can help you keep your bank statements, accounts, purchase orders, and more organized. This program can identify frequent areas of purchase, allows you to quickly swipe through purchases, placing them in the correct folders, and manage transactions.
3. While software is an additional initial expense for your business, when combined with a skilled bookkeeper, it becomes a worthwhile investment that will save you stress, money, and time.
4. No matter what software you choose to go with, set a deadline and sit down with your accountant to make a choice. Start getting into a habit of downloading bank statements early and often, and give your business the headstart it deserves.

Today's topic is an important one and one that you simply can't ignore as a small business owner. Separating your business and personal expenses is a crucial aspect of running a successful business and plays a huge role in the health of you, your employees, and your company. The longer you commingle things, the harder it's going to be to separate them. Let's talk about it.

Before you get started, make sure you're surrounded by professionals who can help you transition to a business tax ID, or if you're using a personal social security number, your growth, how much your making, and other important aspects. The point is, you don't know what you don't know, and you don't want to make an expensive mistake.

The first step you can take to separating your business and personal expenses is to have separate bank accounts and credit cards. This is super easy if you have a business that you have already established, that has a separate tax ID number that you can apply for credit cards and bank accounts separately Not only are you building up credit for your business, but it also makes it much easier for your bookkeeper or tax preparer as your business grows.

You also want to make sure that you have a separate budget for your business. You can just write it down in your notebook, keep a spreadsheet, whatever works for you. The point is, it's easy to get sucked into purchasing all the bells and whistles for something for your company, and pretty soon you've created a pile of expenses and may not even realize it because it's all been coming out of your personal account.

Ensure that you keep a separate receipt collection organized. Either manually in a folder or digitally with something like QuickBooks, where you scan your receipts, keep them in order because it can get out of hand really quickly. Filing taxes has become so much easier that way.

When talking with your accountant, you might also want to mention when's a good time for me to start taking a salary. What type of salary? Should I be giving myself W2 income? Should I be giving myself 1099? What does this all look like? They're the best persons to give you those recommendations.

Finally, set a date that you're going to do all of this. You're going to have to, so rip that band-aid off and get it done.

Key Takeaways

1. Make sure you're surrounded by professionals who can help you transition to a business tax ID, or if you're using a personal social security number, your growth, how much your making, and other important aspects. You don't know what you don't know, and you don't want to make an expensive mistake.

1. Have separate bank accounts and credit cards. This is super easy if you have a business that you have already established, that has a separate tax ID number that you can apply for credit cards and bank accounts separately Not only are you building up credit for your business, but it also makes it much easier for your bookkeeper or tax preparer as your business grows.

1. Have a separate budget for your business. You can just write it down in your notebook, keep a spreadsheet, whatever works for you. The point is, it's easy to get sucked into purchasing all the bells and whistles for something for your company, and pretty soon you've created a pile of expenses and may not even realize it because it's all been coming out of your personal account.

1. Ensure that you keep a separate receipt collection organized. Either manually in a folder or digitally with something like QuickBooks, where you scan your receipts, keep them in order because it can get out of hand really quickly. Filing taxes has become so much easier that way.

1. Set a date that you're going to do all of this. You're going to have to, so rip that band-aid off and get it done.

This week's topic is a tough one, and it's something that many business owners have done and every business owner hates to do. Firing an employee is a difficult, albeit necessary measure that can often leave your work better than it was. However, there is a right way to do it--with empathy and compassion. Today, we're talking about some tactics you can use to make sure you're equipped.

The most important thing that you have to remember is that this is not only a difficult conversation for you, but it's also a difficult conversation for them. When they wake up tomorrow, they don't have a job to go to. And that can be terrifying. This is a hard decision for you, but it's also going to be even more difficult for them. So be compassionate. One thing that you can do too when you are letting someone go that is physically with you, is you can wait till the end of the day and walk out with them.

Make sure you're ready to have the conversation. If you need someone present (like HR), make sure they're aware. Know when and where you'll have the conversation. Have a list of things you need back from them, accounts that need to have rights revoked, keys, and badges. Having to make a call afterward is awkward and can be viewed as disrespectful.

This is not a begathon. The decision has been made. They no longer work here, which means you have to have this conversation in the past tense. There should be no inclination that they may be able to come back, negotiate with you, any of those sorts of things. This is a cut-and-dry situation. Most importantly, you don't want to drag your feet. You want to get it done. Don't talk about a whole bunch of stuff. Come to them and say, "Listen, I have some bad news for you today. Today's your last day." Be transparent about your reasoning and communicate, but be short and sweet.

Remember to speak with your team as well. Losing someone who you spend every day around can be traumatic, to some degree. You don't need to tell them exactly what happened, but do tell them how roles will be divvied up and the direction you're going forward. Make sure they're aware that it's a one-off event to avoid any worry of more firings. You can reassure them that their jobs are not in danger.

While firing can be difficult, more often than not you will feel better and your business will be better for it.

Key Takeaways

1. This is not only a difficult conversation for you, but it's also a difficult conversation for them. When they wake up tomorrow, they don't have a job to go to. And that can be terrifying. This is a hard decision for you, but it's also going to be even more difficult for them. So be compassionate.
2. Make sure you're ready to have the conversation. If you need someone present (like HR), make sure they're aware. Know when and where you'll have the conversation. Have a list of things you need back from them, accounts that need to have rights revoked, keys, and badges. Having to make a call afterward is awkward and can be viewed as disrespectful.
3. The decision has been made. They no longer work here, which means you have to have this conversation in the past tense. This is a cut-and-dry situation. Most importantly, you don't want to drag your feet. You want to get it done. Be transparent about your reasoning and communicate, but be short and sweet.
4. Remember to speak with your team as well. Losing someone who you spend every day around can be traumatic, to some degree. You don't need to tell them exactly what happened, but do tell them how roles will be divvied up and the direction you're going forward. Make sure they're aware that it's a one-off event to avoid any worry of more firings. You can reassure them that their jobs are not in danger.

Welcome back to the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom.This week, we're going to talk about quarterly distributions. Everyone's favorite question for their accountant is "how much money do I get to spend?" When the answer isn't what you want to hear, it can be frustrating. But, there is a way to see the money you earned and spend it how you want. Let's talk about it.

In Mike Michalowicz's book Profit First, he talks about moving your money into different accounts every month to budget and keep track of your money, but he also talks about celebrating successfully managing and saving money, paid for with money they've been able to save by using this process. So, how do we get there?

The account we're talking about today is the profits account. This is where you're going to be looking every month. First, you're going to pay off any debt or any outstanding balances you need to pay. Additionally, you're going to pull from this account to save for a purchase for yourself, your business, pleasure, whatever you want. That's the beauty of this technique.

As this distribution to your accounts is quarterly, you're going to be moving this money four times a year. You do have to be, of course, disciplined in transferring the money over every paycheck. Start small, but make sure that you are upping those percentages as much as possible--monthly, quarterly, yearly, up to you!

The point is that your motivation for saving, budgeting, and managing your money is that you can spend YOUR profit how YOU want. By taking that money out of the profit account, you get to spend it wherever you want, whether that is a really expensive handbag or a fancy car, or just something small. It really could be anything that you want. It's your money to spend throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• Pull from your profits account. You're going to be moving money from your paychecks to your Profit Account. From there, pay off any debt or any outstanding balances. Additionally, you're going to pull from this account to save for a purchase for yourself, your business, pleasure, whatever you want. That's the beauty of this technique.

• Be disciplined. Start small, but make sure that you are upping those percentages as much as possible--monthly, quarterly, yearly, up to you!

Spend YOUR profit how YOU want. By taking that money out of the profit account, you get to spend it on whenever you want, whether that is a really expensive handbag or a fancy car, or just something small. It really could be anything that you want. It's your money to spend throughout the year.

Welcome back to this week's episode of the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom! Many small business owners are looking to uplevel their practices as they expand by joining Mastermind groups. While these communities are incredibly powerful tools to help you take the next step, it's important to be intentional about where you spend your money, what groups you join, what they offer, and how you can maximize your experience. Let's take a look at those questions!

To preface this episode, Jillian is involved with three different mastermind groups that all meet at different intervals, offer different things, and provide different perspectives, all valuable to the growth of business mindsets. Two of her groups meet monthly and one is a weekly group. All of these groups have different sizes, different compositions, and different focuses! While most have shifted to Zoom during COVID, but the value remains. In fact, in some ways, the groups have improved as the groups have been concentrated into those who are hyper-committed to the benefits a mastermind can provide, and it allows for the participants to engage on an even deeper level.

While it can seem intimidating at first, paying for access to a mastermind class is a worthwhile investment. You then have skin in the game--a reason to grow and make the most of your time in the group. In addition, there may be periods where you can join a meeting or two to see if it is a good fit for you and that you'll get the value that you need. Consider who is in the group, what the topics of the group are, the size, meeting time, and overall vibe.

Mastermind groups are also an incredible opportunity to network and reference (and be referenced).

A major benefit of a mastermind group is the perspectives that are brought to the table. They can offer thoughts, give honest feedback, and spark new ideas. Sometimes, you can be too close to your business to see some crucial changes that you could be making. Bringing in an outside view can give you a holistic approach to growth. The feedback you get from people who may be your friend, but not someone you've known forever is incredibly valuable. They can tell you when something is great, but they won't hold back if something stinks. Getting constant "positive" feedback isn't always helpful. You can get that on social media. They'll offer solutions and pathways that can break down hurdles you may be facing.

Being in a mastermind group opens you up to accountability. Setting goals is a massive part of owning, building, and scaling a business of any size. But what happens once you set that goal? Having a group of like-minded individuals meeting with you weekly to check in on your progress is an effective way of staying on top of your checkpoints.

Key Takeaways

• While it can seem intimidating at first, paying for access to a mastermind class is a worthwhile investment. You then have skin in the game--a reason to grow and make the most of your time in the group. In addition, there may be periods where you can join a meeting or two to see if it is a good fit for you and that you'll get the value that you need.

• Consider who is in the group, what the topics of the group are, the size, meeting time, and overall vibe. The feedback you get from people who may be your friend, but not someone you've known forever is incredibly valuable. They can tell you when something is great, but they won't hold back if something stinks. Getting constant "positive" feedback isn't always helpful.
• A major benefit of a mastermind group is the perspectives that are brought to the table. They can offer thoughts, give honest feedback, and spark new ideas. Sometimes, you can be too close to your business to see some crucial changes that you could be making. Bringing in an outside view can give you a holistic approach to growth.
• Being in a mastermind group opens you up to accountability. Setting goals is a massive part of owning, building, and scaling a business of any size. But what happens once you set that goal? Having a group of like-minded individuals meeting with you weekly to check in on your progress is an effective way of staying on top of your checkpoints.

Welcome back to the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom. If you've been a solo entrepreneur for any amount of time, you probably know that you need help. Everybody tells you that you need help, but you have no idea who this first person that you should hire, what they should do, who they should be, maybe even what to look for. Today, we're answering the question: who should be my first hire?

Hiring can be emotionally draining. It can also be expensive. You want to make sure that you find the right person upfront, that way you don't have to worry about any potential problems down the road. You have to ensure that your first hire is especially good so you can build confidence in hiring and allow yourself to go with your gut.

When you're looking to hire or bring someone onto your team, it's important to first get clear on what this person can help you with. Is there a task that you consistently procrastinate doing? Is there an aspect of your business that is outside of your zone of genius? These are all great qualifiers that can help you make the right choice. For Jill, this meant finding a top-notch video editor that can bring her personality through in her videos. This also meant finding someone to help manage, organize, and label the seemingly endless stream of emails.

You want to get as granular as possible when you're making that first hire. Be very aware of what this job looks like now and what it'll look like in the future. That way, you build a position with longevity and efficacy, and you'll be able to write a proper job description should you need to rehire.

Hire people who really want it. Consider offering your candidates a project to complete with a deadline to make sure their skills, whatever they may be, are up to your standard. Sometimes people can be great interviewers, but not great workers. Give them a chance to prove themselves early so they can keep that energy as they join your team.

Your new hire doesn't necessarily need to be in your timezone. Don't hesitate to go outside of your area to find an assistant. There is a pool of incredible candidates that are ready to work for you virtually, and who have something to prove. You won't regret it.

Key Takeaways

1. Hiring can be emotionally draining. It can also be expensive. You want to make sure that you find the right person upfront because when your first hire is especially good, you can build confidence in hiring and allow yourself to go with your gut.
2. Get clear on what this person can help you with. Is there a task that you consistently procrastinate doing? Is there an aspect of your business that is outside of your zone of genius? These are all great qualifiers that can help you make the right choice.
3. Be very aware of what this job looks like now and what it'll look like in the future. That way, you build a position with longevity and efficacy, and you'll be able to write a proper job description should you need to rehire.
4. Hire people who really want it. Consider offering your candidates a project to complete with a deadline to make sure their skills, whatever they may be, are up to your standard. Sometimes people can be great interviewers, but not great workers. Give them a chance to prove themselves early so they can keep that energy as they join your team.
5. Your new hire doesn't necessarily need to be in your timezone. Don't hesitate to go outside of your area to find an assistant. There is a pool of incredible candidates that are ready to work for you virtually, and who have something to prove. You won't regret it.

Title: Empowering Your Evening Routine

Quotes from this episode

"The entire day can go by, you fall into bed exhausted and you're like, "What did I get done? What happened today?"

"I'm a growly bear if I don't get enough sleep."

"Sometimes my brain is going a million miles an hour, so I always have a journal by my bed too so if there's something that I think of in the middle of the night, I will write that down."

"Getting sleep is super important."

Shownotes

Just as important as gearing up for your day in the morning is the way you decompress and wind down at the end of it. By adding structure to the end of your workday, you allow your mind and body to process, reorganize, rest, and reset. Today, we're breaking down Jill's evening routine.

Just like many folks, Jill's workday ends at 5:00. After work, doing a short 30-minute yoga practice can help decompress the stress built up in your body, allowing you to wind down for the day. From there, having dinner, reading, watching TV, and being with family releases the built-up pressures of the workday.

Another useful thing you can do in your evening routine is organizing past, current, and future projects around the house. This is a great time to purge unwanted junk, itemize what you have around the house, and file what needs to be filed. That way, if you ever need to move, downsize, or locate an important item, you did that after work one day!

Now that you've successfully wrapped up your evening, prep for the morning. That means taking care of yourself overnight: brush your teeth, have water handy, lay out clothes if you need to, have your morning self-care ready to go. That way, when you wake up, you don't have any extra work you need to do that could put you off track.

In bed, Jill recommends reading from a real book--avoiding blue light. While it can be nice to watch a YouTube video or read on your phone, the light can wake you up instantly and prevent you from falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting the rest you need and deserve. If your mind goes a million miles an hour, instead of going on your phone, keep a journal next to your bed where you can jot down ideas and thoughts and dreams.

It's important to remember that there is a natural ebb and flow to life--you're not going to be doing yoga at the same time every day, you may have to adjust, and that's okay! The goal is to set yourself up for success by allowing your body to rest. A routine is the fastest way there!

Key Takeaways

1. After work, doing a short 30-minute yoga practice can help decompress the stress built up in your body, allowing you to wind down for the day. From there, having dinner, reading, watching TV, and being with family releases the built-up pressures of the workday.
2. After work, organize past, current, and future projects around the house. This is a great time to purge unwanted junk, itemize what you have around the house, and file what needs to be filed. That way, if you ever need to move, downsize, or locate an important item, you did that after work one day!
3. Consider reading from a real book--avoiding blue light. While it can be nice to watch a YouTube video or read on your phone, the light can wake you up instantly and prevent you from falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting the rest you need and deserve. If your mind goes a million miles an hour, instead of going on your phone, keep a journal next to your bed where you can jot down ideas and thoughts and dreams.
4. It's important to remember that there is a natural ebb and flow to life--you're not going to be doing yoga at the same time every day, you may have to adjust, and that's okay! The goal is to set yourself up for success by allowing your body to rest. A routine is the fastest way there!