How to get going again after a break
Easing into your business after the summer
I hope you’re having, or have had, a restful summer!
After a break, I’m usually full of new energy and ideas. There’s something about taking time off that allows me to get a bit of distance from my regular life. Today I’ll share some tips to going again after a break.
Make a plan beforehand
One of the things that helps me get going again after a break is to have a bit of a plan of what I’m going to do. I see this as leaving myself a little trail of breadcrumbs, reminding me what needs attention and what I want to work on. I wrote more about it in this blogpost on how to take—and plan for—a break in your business.
Reflect on what you’re taking with you
There’s something about taking time off, and even just the lower pace of summer that fills me with new ideas for my regular life.
In the past that’s been wanting to have longer, more leisurely lunchbreaks, or making those after-dinner walks with my partner a part of our everyday life. And at other times, I’ve gained a lot of clarity about my business too, what feels good and what feels less good.
I’ll write a little more about this in a future newsletter, but see if you can set aside a little bit of time to reflect on what you’re taking with you from the summer—habits, routines, lightbulb moments.
Ease into it
On my first day back, I like to start with something that I know will give me energy and will connect me to the core of my business. Often that’s having some time to write or brainstorm before I hop back on client calls.
Don’t overschedule
It can be so easy before a break to see the time after a break as this vast expanse of time.
Unless you really love to hit the ground running, I’d recommend not overscheduling in that first week back—especially if it’s also the first week back to school for your kids, or if other larger changes are happening in your life. Leaving a little bit more room for yourself also makes getting back to work less of a harsh transition.
What are you taking with you from the summer? Any habits or routines that you’d like to add to everyday life?
How can you make the return to your business as easeful as possible? What activities do you want to start with?
Take a look at your calendar. Is your first week back already too full? If so, cancel, delegate or reschedule appointments.
a book | I reread Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell and got sucked up into this world all over again (affiliate link).
another book | I’m reading Company of One with some of my business friends, and it’s great to read a book on business that questions growth, and instead focuses on building a business around your life rather than the other way around (affiliate link).
swimming | This year I rediscovered swimming in the ocean—the weather was perfect, and I loved the clear saltiness of the water.
What are your favourites this week? I’d love to know and be inspired.
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How do you ease back into work after the summer? And do you usually feel excited and full of ideas, or more apprehensive? Do share in the comments so we can all cheer you on!
