MOMENTUM

FROM THE DESK OF ANDY BLISS

ISSUE #7 III NOV 29, 2023

Hey gang,

Andy here. 👋 Welcome back to Momentum!

It's the week after Thanksgiving, which for me typically signals a lot of very specific things.

The holidays are around the corner and I really try to shut down from December 20th to January 1st to fully enjoy the holiday season, the annual traditions, and of course time with family and friends.

But to do that, I really need to "close the books" on the year in December, which is usually what I focus on from Thanksgiving until December 20th. I find this practice really helps me when I log back in for early January, so I thought I'd share some of those routines with you today so we can start building momentum toward an exciting 2024.

Let’s move the needle!

Quote of the Week

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible."

— Tony Robbins

BACKGROUND

I hate logging back on in January to feel like there are knots leftover from December or that I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing in January, which then leaves a bad taste in my mouth for the New Year. It feels like the "crazy" just got toggled right back on, and there is no end in sight.

Instead, I do some of the following things to reset the decks for the holiday break so I can fully enjoy it, while also having excitement for when I return. I'm not saying I always get to all of them, but I try just like the rest of us!

Limit Appointments in December
I try to limit how much of my December calendar is pre-booked so I can focus on clearing out overdue tasks, scanning papers, clearing out inboxes, etc. That takes extra time, so I try to begin getting off the grid in December to do those things that have spilled over a bit.

Review my "Ideal Week" Template
December is often a time where I will review how I've been spending my time, and start blocking out what needs to start / stop / continue as I head into the new year. I find that implementing this while away can build some — well you know 😜— with the hopes that it sticks better as things toggle back on in January.

Layout my Business Calendar for 2024
This process begins in the Fall, but in December I'm typically finalizing my plans for the next year. This includes performance programs, teaching (university and online), program launches, and collaborations to make sure they have good balance and spacing.

I also review annual budgeting and set goals and benchmarks to make sure those items are ready to go for the following year. This includes revenue, taxes, grants...you name it.

Pre-Load Creative Work
Wherever possible, I try to have a few things "in the can" for January so I'm not coming back to immediate deadlines. I do this anyway, but for January it feels especially relevant when the school schedule is not holding us to our typical routines.

Drill Down on Quarter 1
When I'm at my best, I'll have a very clear plan for exactly what is happening in January - March. This typically includes a deeper look at my calendar, setting up and prepping courses/ensembles, communication with collaborators, and most importantly blocking out key time frames. Time blocking is the single act that both lowers anxiety while heightening productivity for me. It's by far my most productive habit and routine. Make an appointment with yourself, you won't be sorry!

MOTION = MOMENTUM (YOUR CTA)

I'd love to hear how you wind down the year!

Do you have routines that naturally arise ever year in December?

Also, I challenge you to consider something you could do over the next 3 weeks that would make 2024 feel like it's already in motion. We don't need New Year's resolutions - we need daily actions toward where we want to be and that can start today.

And finally, if you'd like some help with this let's connect! I'll be hosting a Goal Setting webinar on Wednesday December 13th at 1PM Eastern, so save the date and I'll be in touch with an RSVP link soon!

Happy Holiday season,

Andy 🆎 ❄️

RECENT FAVORITE THINGS

I'm having a blast building a LEGO City in the evenings after my kids go to bed. This is my analog hobby where I'm (mostly) off digital and in full creative mode. If you'd like to follow along, you can join me @blissbrickstudios over on Instagram. This month I'm focused on a winter village, then will be shifting back to the City in January 2024!
I've been loving the Transcribe+ app to work on various things each morning when I practice. I'm usually using it at my DTX-10 Yamaha kit, and both the DTX10 and the app sync via bluetooth so I can get the sounds of the electronic drums + the play-along. I have laptop software for this, but it's been really nice keeping it just to the iPhone.

AB News & Notes

I'll be LIVE on Instagram today (Wed Nov 29) at 2PM ET hosting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on all things Hybrid Musicianship and about the upcoming Nief-Norf CPI Summit. Registration for the CPI Summit: Percussion Edition closes on Friday December 1st!
Knoxville friends - RSVP now for Phil Kline's Unsilent Night: Knoxville! I'll once again be leading this event on Thursday December 7th at 7PM!

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