Why I Hit Pause on My Notary Business Mid-Year (And You Should Too)
Hey notaries!
We're halfway through the year, and I'm guessing some of you are feeling like I was a few weeks ago, completely scattered. Remember those January goals? The ones about growing your signing business, finally getting that YouTube channel going, or maybe just finding a better work-life balance between all those mobile signings?
Yeah, those feel like a lifetime ago, don't they?
Here's the thing, I used to think pushing through was the answer. More signings, longer hours, saying yes to everything. But a couple years ago, I started doing something that changed everything: mid-year reset trips.
Why I Actually Leave Town to Reset My Business
My husband and I pack up and get out of town for a few days. No phones buzzing with last-minute signing requests. No emails about loan docs that need to be done ASAP. No clients asking if I can squeeze them in "real quick."
It's not a vacation, it's intentional business and life planning time. And honestly? It's become non-negotiable for me.
I know what you're thinking: "I can't just disappear from my notary business!" Trust me, I get it. But here's what I've learned: taking a few days to step back actually makes you MORE available for your clients, not less.
What My Reset Week Actually Looked Like
This year, here's what I focused on:
Honestly reviewed my business goals: Are the services I'm offering still lighting me up? Am I pricing myself right? What's actually working in my notary practice?
Mapped out the next 60 days: I got clear on my signing schedule, content creation for YouTube, and which coaching clients needed the most support.
Looked at my health for real: Mobile notary work is tough on your body. I had to get honest about movement, sleep, and not living on drive-thru coffee.
Evaluated what's draining me: Some clients are amazing. Others... not so much. I made some tough decisions about boundaries and which types of signings I want to keep taking.
Remembered why I love this work: Between the paperwork and the pressure, it's easy to forget how much I genuinely enjoy helping people through big life moments.
Can't Get Away? Here's How to Reset Anyway
Look, I know not everyone can just block out their calendar and leave town. But you can still create space to think clearly:
Weekend Reset: Block Saturday morning. Turn your phone to Do Not Disturb. Make some coffee and think about where your business is heading.
Early Bird Reset: Get up an hour earlier for a week. No scrolling social media. Just you, a notebook, and some honest questions about what's working.
Sunday Planning Sessions: End each week by looking at what signings went well, what stressed you out, and what you want to adjust.
Drive Time Reset: Use those drives between signings to actually think instead of just rushing to the next appointment.
You're Not Behind, You're Right on Time
Here's what I want you to know: if your January goals feel completely off track, that's not failure. That's normal. The notary business changes fast, and so do we.
Instead of beating yourself up, try this:
Get real about what's working: Which clients make you excited to work? What services are profitable?
Ditch what's not serving you: That networking group that drains you? Those low-paying signings that stress you out? It's okay to let them go.
Pick 2-3 things to focus on: Maybe it's finally raising your travel fees, or getting consistent with your YouTube content, or setting actual boundaries with after-hours calls.
Protect your time: Block out space for the things that grow your business—and your sanity.
Your Business Deserves This Reset
Listen, I've been in this industry long enough to know that we notaries are really good at taking care of everyone else's urgent needs. But when's the last time you treated your own business—and yourself—as a priority?
Whether you take a weekend or just an afternoon, give yourself permission to step back and ask: What do I actually want my notary business to look like?
You've built something amazing. Now, make sure it's still heading in the direction you want to go.
I'd love to hear—what does a reset look like for you? Please drop a comment and let's keep each other accountable for making the rest of this year count.
Here's to finishing strong, Jennifer Cooper
