Re: Your 2025 planning
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Hi, Reader! I can't believe we're just 6 weeks from the end of the year, but I'm already deep into planning for 2025! After my daughter went down for her nap one day last week, I grabbed a fresh sheet of paper to brainstorm my goals and plans for next year. I had already mapped out some long-term financial goals in Notion, so I started there to refresh my memory and get into the details. As soon as I opened the page, I realized that all the nitty-gritty work, from the sales targets for my offers and the action steps to hit them, were already neatly organized in a Notion database. Why is it so easy to make plans and goals and then immediately forget about them?! I sat back and thought, "well, I guess my 2025 planning is done!" I still made a few tweaks, but the groundwork was already there, and I didn’t feel the need to start over just for the sake of it. I trusted that what I’d outlined was aligned with what I wanted and needed in 2025. And as much as I love planning, I was relieved! Big-picture planning takes a lot of mental energy (something I don't have as much of these days as a mom). I was grateful to my past self for mapping this out on an inspired day. So instead, I spent time focusing on the follow-through. I created some systems inside Notion to keep my most-important tasks front and center so I don't forget about them 🙃 Whenever you do your 2025 planning (whether that be this holiday season or early next year), take some time to incorporate a follow-through plan. Don’t just write down your big goals. The key is breaking them into tiny action steps and keeping them somewhere you see every day. Here’s what I’m doing to stay on track:
I’d love to hear how you’re planning for 2025! Reply to this email and share your strategies! And now, onto this month's RECAP! The RECAP 06Recommending / Favorites I'm loving right now that I want to share with you Elevating / Aspects of my life or business that I'm working to improve or revamp Caring / All things my daughter Essie and motherhood Admiring / People and products I’m excited about or currently eyeing Planning / Ya girl loves to plan. What I'm currently organizing and strategizing If you’d rather opt out of The Recap, no prob! You can update your preferences here. 🎙️ Recommending- Las Culturistas Podcast
I recently shared a post on Instagram about my favorite podcasts. There’s always one in my ears while Essie’s napping or I’m editing photos! If you’re looking for something new and lighthearted, add Las Culturistas to your list. Hosted by comedians and besties Bowen Yang (of SNL) and Matt Rogers (from I Love That For You), this podcast never fails to cheer me up and make me laugh out loud. From their 1-minute segment "I Don't Think So Honey" to the annual La Culturistas Culture Awards with awards like the "Cate Blanchett Award for Good Acting," it's a perfect mix of silly, high-energy, and mindlessly soothing.
✅ Elevating- Life/Work Dashboard
I feel like a broken record talking about Notion lately, and it's because I'm totally hooked! I’m still exploring the best ways to use it, but I’m starting to dial in a system that’s perfect for organizing both work and personal tasks. Right now, I’m refining a daily dashboard that helps me quickly see my top priorities, so I spend less time thinking about what needs to get done (and ahem, don't forget about my goals 😉). It’s been a total game-changer! While there’s a bit of a learning curve with Notion, it didn’t take me long to get the hang of it and start fine-tuning it to fit my style.
🐶 Caring- Halloween Update
I know Halloween is so 3 weeks ago and we're all gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I had to give you an update on Essie's puppy Halloween costume! I made a costume to match her beloved Jellycat puppy dog. I grabbed a brown romper from Primary, added some fluffy fabric from Joann's (attached with double-stick tape so it could be reused), and my husband sewed ears onto a headband and added a little tail. She looked just like her puppy and was SO amused by her reflection! I'd call her first Halloween costume a success!
📚 Admiring- Write to Me Memory Books
Speaking of making holiday memories, I wanted to share my current favorite memory-keeping books with you! Write to Me makes combo photo albums and journals that are timeless, well-made, and affordable. I bought Essie's baby book from them and I love its layout. The album has space for each month of her first year, spreads for each year until she's 5, and sections for first holidays, celebrations, and milestones. Now, I have my eye on their Halloween Photos and Christmas Photos books. I love the idea of pulling them out each year and flipping through the memories as the seasons unfold!
📸 Planning- The Perfectly Planned & Priced Sale
Mark your calendar! 🎉 From Monday, December 9th, to Friday, December 13th, I’m hosting a Post-Black Friday Sale you don’t want to miss! Here’s what’s in store:
✨ Daily deals on my must-have shoot planning tools for Brand Photographers in the Resource Shop. ✨ Special savings on Brand Shoot Toolkit, a business owner's go-to resource for a stress-free brand shoot in 2025.
Keep an eye on your inbox for all the details and ENJOY your Thanksgiving! 💌
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Abby Murphy | Brand Photographer & Educator
📸 I help women entrepreneurs take the guesswork out of brand photoshoots, so they can show up confident, prepared, and get images that attract the right clients and grow their business.