This summer was the first break in ages that I actually managed to switch off from work. This is not me on holiday in the picture, by the way – just to clarify! I feel refreshed and raring to go. And yet, paradoxically, I am also finding it hard to find my balance again; it’s proving tricky to get back in the swing of things, as it feels like a bit a mountain to climb. Perhaps I should have done a little bit more over the summer, and now my to do list is quite overwhelming. I’d also set myself some goals at the beginning of the year – and now time is not on my side.
So, how do we get the balance right? How do we make sure we relax and rejuvenate, and then channel that renewed sense of energy into our work and life come September? How do we unwind, without totally losing momentum and taking our eyes off the ball?
It’s important to quickly reset, so we don’t waste the last few months of the year and continue to aim to achieve everything we’d hoped for in 2019.
I believe it’s about mindset, above all, and I’ve been putting the following tips into practice myself. These will help you refocus, so you can push yourself that little bit further – either professionally or personally – before this year suddenly disappears.
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1. Identify & prioritise: work out what is most important – or helpful – to you. Depending on the size of this you may need to create daily or weekly small step actions to achieve this or just one action and it’s done!
2. Three-month goal: now is a great time to focus on what you want to achieve and how you want to feel come 2020. Visualise what this looks like for you and create a goal that will help you get there. ‘Enjoying a two-week holiday with my family / friends’
3. Key milestones: within those goals, determine some bite-sized targets, so that they’re more achievable. For example: by the end of September I will have empowered 2 members of the team to run future meetings, hosted a networking event or managed to run three times a week.
4. Get in the habit of habits: if your goal it to be promoted next year, how can you start preparing now and demonstrate to others that you are worthy of it? What are those small, habitual changes you can set in motion now?
5. Accountability & support: we all know it’s hard to stay on the straight and narrow with any resolutions if it’s just down to us. Whether it’s a partner, family member or friend, sharing your goals and habits will help you stay on track – and even push you further in your progress.
Christmas is just 97 days away. I know, sorry – but it is. Before we know it, we will be in the merry maelstrom of festive madness, looking back at what we have done – or not – this year. If you take a breather now, and work out what your accomplished self looks like, there is still some wriggle room to improve. Now is the time to get where you want to be, not January. Create a vision using these tips – and make it happen.
If you want to chat more about how to achieve your work and life goals, get in touch bernadette@rosbyconsulting.com
