Strategies for a productive summer
In our busy and fast-paced world, summer is usually the time when kids are out of school, people are traveling, weddings and graduations are happening, and family reunions are taking place. It’s a time when the frenetic pace of work slows down a bit, simply because the people driving usually take a break. This puts you in the driver’s seat! This gives you a chance to take advantage of the downtime and position yourself better so you can play at your best when the pace picks up in the fall.
To help you out, I want to give you five strategies on how to maximize this “season” when you or others (clients, coworkers, vendors, etc.) are away so you’re ready to “charge” the rest of the ‘year!
1. Rest. The concept of periodicity means that you allow your body time to rest, re-engage and recharge (or train) to achieve the maximum energy and results you desire during the periods that require you to work harder. . If you keep going 150 mph 24/7, you’re going to burn yourself out. Most importantly, you won’t get the results you want. So plan time each summer for a rest period. (For workaholics, resting means no voicemails, no emails, no clients, no “work mode,” and no initiatives that aren’t entirely pleasant.) Turn off work 100% while you’re off vacation! If you do, your ability to burn out when you return will be doubled.
2. Cleaning. The days before you leave for vacation are a good time to make a game plan for when you return. Your departure date is a deadline that is not likely to be moved. Start by challenging yourself to sort through your emails, do all the follow-ups, and close open loops before you leave. While you’re doing this, make a list for when you get back of what you’re going to do next. If you want to be more productive, schedule what you’ll do when, so you can quickly resume your work habits when you return.
3. Schedule “catch up” time. If you can, allow for a “phase in” plan that gives you personal time in the office to go through mail, e-mail, and other things that have piled up while you’ve been gone. People often go back to a full schedule with no time to “reset,” which is why they work vacations. Resist the urge to work while away. Instead, plan for the inevitable chaos that will ensue when you get back – block off part of the day when you get back to catch up.
4. Create a project plan. This season, if you won’t be traveling and staying in the office while others are away, you may be in the “summer lull.” Before that slower season hits, have a plan for what you want to accomplish during your downtime. This is your “off season”. Use this time to do the projects that are important, but not urgent: This is the time for projects that you never seem to get around to, like updating your website, reading, taking personal development classes, etc. Know in advance how. you’ll use this time so you’re ready to dive into these projects once the slower season hits.
5. Take “time off” at home. Take a week off at home. Put aside all those long-term projects, housework and yard work. Spend an entire week clearing all the holdups that keep you frustrated and discouraged, like fixing the printer that always misprints, organizing your pots and pans, buying a calendar to organize your family, or moving the chair you stick your toe in. foot. every morning. Plan a week where your focus is on streamlining, simplifying and organizing your home and personal life so you can charge forward for the rest of the year!
Remember, you’ll allow yourself to truly rest, clear up the mess before you leave, and have a plan for how you’ll handle the return, make productive use of the slower season at the office, and tidy up loose ends at home. When you’re active and intentional during this slower season, using the strategies we’ve discussed here today, you too will have a winning and successful year!
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