Still thinking about work during the holidays?

As we head into the holiday season and the year comes to a close, many small business owners find it hard to fully switch off.

You might be planning content in an airport lounge, tweaking a reel script on your phone, or refreshing a post to see if it finally gets traction.

This short holiday message is for entrepreneurs who feel that pull.

It’s a reminder to stop measuring your year by the posts that didn’t land, and start noticing the wins you may be overlooking.

Below is the full video, followed by the complete script:

Hi, it’s Susan.

This message is for all you entrepreneurs and business owners who are still thinking about your business as we wrap up another year.

You know, the ones who don’t fully shut off, even when you should.

And even when you try, it’s just not a natural thing to do.

Like when you’re sitting in an airport lounge, and you’re not reading a fantasy novel.

No, you’re tweaking your next reel script in your Notes app instead.

Or you’re on vacation, and you secretly packed a business book instead of the Oprah Magazine your family gave you months ago.

You know, just in case you get a quiet hour between all the planned activities with the kids and grandkids.

Or it’s Sunday night, and you post something on Facebook you’re genuinely excited about, thinking this is the one that’s going to go viral.

Your heart even speeds up a few beats just thinking about all of the reactions you’re sure to get.

In eager anticipation, you hit refresh.

Again.

And again.

Only to still see no likes.

Thinking there’s got to be an issue with the platform, you check out someone else’s post – surely it’s some weird glitch that everyone’s dealing with.

And then your heart sinks, realizing there’s nothing wrong, everything is working fine.

It’s just not working for you.

So, you decide this is all pointless and you go grab a glass of wine to wash down that self-doubt that’s creeping too close to the surface.

Again.

But in a moment of clarity, you remind yourself.

Quitting is not an option.

Because you care.

You care deeply.

You care about the people who can truly benefit from what you do.

You see them struggle, and you want to change that.

You know you can help.

And yes… you do have times when you spiral a little.

But I want to remind you of something important.

Those little, seemingly “losses” can take up so much space, they start to hide all the wins that you’re probably not counting.

You forget to notice what’s working.

The client who has been with you forever, and then tells others about you.

The payment that came in before it was due.

The testimonial that made you sit back and feel proud of the work you do.

The fact that you kept going when quitting certainly would have been much easier.

So, here’s what I want to offer you during this festive season.

Please give yourself some credit.

And I mean REAL credit.

The kind of credit that no one else ever says out loud.

Credit for the risks you take.

For the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when you’re not feeling your best and staying in bed would have been the easy choice.

But you didn’t.

Because your integrity won’t let you phone it in when people are counting on you.

Give yourself credit for building something that keeps asking you to stretch.

To feel the fear.

And take the step anyway.

And at the same time…

Take a break when you can.

Say no when you need to.

And ask for help faster.

Not because you can’t handle it.

Because you don’t need to carry all of that burden alone.

I’m here, cheering for you.

Believing in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. Truly.

What’s one win from this year you haven’t given yourself credit for yet?

Until next time, I’m Susan Friesen. Stay clear, stay focused, and stand out.

About the Author, Susan Friesen

Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.

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