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Why Checking In with Real Numbers Beats Guesswork
We’re halfway through the year, which makes it the perfect time for a financial temperature check. This week’s habit—running a mid-year revenue report—helped me ground my business goals in reality instead of just going by gut feelings.
What Worked Well
I ran my FreshBooks payments collected report on time and compared it to the same time period last year. This has become part of my July routine, and it’s simple now that I’ve added a calendar reminder.
Challenges: None This Time
Honestly, this week went smoothly. I look forward to this habit every year—it gives me clarity without stress. It’s one of those habits that feels rewarding and productive all at once.
A Surprising Benefit: Confidence in Holding Steady
While I’m down 3.7% compared to last year, I’m not discouraged. In fact, I feel good about it. The numbers reflect a year where I’ve made some changes, and holding steady in the middle of those shifts is something to feel positive about.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- FreshBooks – My go-to tool for invoicing and generating revenue reports: https://www.freshbooks.com
- Google Calendar – I use a recurring calendar reminder each July and January to prompt this habit
Lessons Learned
Running this report reminded me that your instincts can be off—only the numbers tell the truth. I’ve had busy days and quiet stretches, but without looking at the data, it’s easy to misjudge how the business is doing.
Moving Forward
No big changes needed—I’ll keep this biannual check-in as part of my routine. It helps me plan better, evaluate what’s working, and avoid surprises when the year ends.
How You Can Implement This Habit
Open your accounting or invoicing software and run a report showing income from January to June. Compare it to the same timeframe last year. Then ask yourself: Are you on track? What’s changed? What needs adjusting? Let the data guide your next steps—not just your memory or mood.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.