Properly preparing your re-launch

Four questions to ask yourself for a successful re-launch

By Nevine Shazli

Summer is over, and for many, it’s back to business. I’m kicking off the Fall with a re-launch of my services. Entrepreneurs know that it’s rare for the first, second or even third version of our business to be the final and best one. Constant re-invention is required and just like life a business is a process.

Whether you are re-launching your work life, a relationship or your health, there are four questions to ask yourself for a successful re-launch.

When you know you its time to re-launch something in your life, ask yourself:

1 – What do I want?

This may seem like an easy question to answer, but truly, many people do not know what they want. Brainstorm answers until you get to the bottom of your desires. The more specific you get, the more you’ll be able to plan out the steps necessary in achieving your goals.

2 – What is working and what isn’t working?

If you’re re-launching a project, business, relationship or even your body, take a minute to see what is working well in the way you’re doing things now. Re-launching does not mean throwing everything away and starting over. Rather, it is a process of fine-tuning, refining and improving on what is already in place. Then, ask yourself what is not working so well. This is where changes need to be made. Instead of being frustrated that all the work you’ve done so far has yielded not-so-good-results, learn from your mistakes and see this as an opportunity to get better, be better and do better.

3 – What do I need to do to get from where I am to where I need to be?

You have a vision of how you would like things to be. A new logo, a new target market, a new home, a new state of being, a new relationship, moving to a new city, going back to school… You see it, but it feels far away, out of reach and like it will be a lot of work. Start with step 1. What’s the first thing I need to do? This can be gathering information, calling a web designer or real estate agent, joining a gym or a networking group, creating a profile on a dating website, or just getting dressed and leaving the house to interact with other human beings.

… having an overall picture will give you more momentum.

You can plan out all the steps you need to take and then start, or start with one thing and let the next steps unfold but having an overall picture will give you more momentum. Going from point A to point B requires strategy and planning. Of course, it’s always necessary to remain flexible, and change the plan as needed along the way. Re-evaluate often!

4 – How much time do I need to put the plan into action?

Having a time frame for your re-launch will avoid getting lost in endless preparations. Do you need 3 weeks, 6 months, or one year to get where you want to be? How long will step 1 take to complete?

Where time is concerned, it is helpful to have someone holding you accountable for your completed actions steps. You can choose to let a friend, colleague or relative in on your game plan and ask them to keep you in check every step of the way. If you give yourself a month to do something and 6 months later you’re still thinking about it, you’re going to have a hard time executing the lift-off. A trained and certified coach can do wonders for making sure you don’t crash and burn.

Get clear on what you want, plan how you will get there and in how much time, be accountable and get some professional help as needed.

As for me, my new website is live, highlighting the re-focusing and streamlining of my services as a coach. I am bringing everything I am and everything I have learned under one umbrella. The meaning of my new tagline “Freedom Awaits” is up to each client. What does freedom mean to you? More money? Being debt-free? Breaking away from the rat race? Stopping the incessant thinking and obsessing? Feeling relaxed and enjoying life more? Being healthy and fit? The ability to love and be loved unconditionally? Living from a spiritual place of Oneness? Whatever freedom means to you, know that you can experience it. In fact, you must, for it is the goal of existence.

If you are re-launching your life, I wish you success. Get clear on what you want, plan how you will get there and in how much time, be accountable and get some professional help as needed. You can do this! I believe in you. Now it’s time to believe in yourself.

Image: Don McCullough via StockPholio.net