The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting darker, and we’re taking off our sweaters to get out our pastel clothes.
With change and time comes the idea of new and exciting. Hot weather is fresh and light – a chance to start anew. With the weather getting better and new things popping up on your social calendar every time you look, it can be a tough time to stay motivated and active.
The good news is that this transition can be a combination of exciting social and personal moments as well as a time of new inspiration for your career.
Let’s dive into six productivity tips that will help you achieve this balance and can’t stop in this new era.
1. Make your goals new
Often times, we set ambitious goals and rush forward to achieve them. As we work to adjust our exercise plans to meet our health goals, our sleep patterns to match our needs, and skin care products to fit our environment, we forget that our goals also need maintenance and conditioning.
Every few months or so, I like to review the goals I have set for myself. I ask myself these questions:
How do these fit in with my values? My belief? A deep desire? How can I live my life? Is there anything that needs to be changed? What is one small goal that I am working towards to feed each day into my overall dream for my life?
By asking yourself these questions, you will be able to see if you need to pivot and where to do it. It helps you remember how your daily life shapes your future, reminds you why you do what you do, and gives you new ideas as you move forward.
If you do one thing to stay motivated or get into gear to get better outside, it’s this. Take an hour or so with your morning coffee and understand what it really is and why.
2. Get into the habit of planning your week ahead
Now that you have new goals or new ideas around them, it’s time to make sure that what you do in your daily life leads you to achieving them.
My favorite thing to do is prepare and plan my week ahead of time. Every Saturday or Sunday, take some time to be intentional about your week. Map out all the things you have to do, the things you want to do, and the things you want to do. Purposefully organize your work and personal life (and leave some room for spontaneity for the rain and heat on those roofs!).
On top of this, clean your space and do some self-care—do whatever you need to do to get as energized as you can come Monday morning.
3. Create your schedule for how you want to live
There is a lot of content out there for women who work for themselves and can build their day, up to a point, how they see fit. Not everyone has that option if you’re in a traditional 9 to 5 job.
Regardless of your career path, there are ways to build your life to better reflect what you hope to one day accomplish.
For example, if your goal for life is to have your own business and you feel like waking up, making coffee, writing a journal, exercising or walking in morning, then go to your office, start doing the pieces you can. do it now, today.
You probably have to go at 7am to avoid getting in all Of those things, but my bet is that you can fit at least one of those into your time before you walk out the door.
Just because you’re not living your dream life doesn’t mean you can’t start getting closer today.
Additionally, make sure you organize your week when you are most productive. Again, this is not always possible with people pulling you in all directions, but you can set aside time for at least one morning or afternoon to work on tasks you have been neglecting, depending on when your natural juices are flowing freely.
4. Enjoy the process: Take a break!
As you build your schedule (and life), don’t forget to treat yourself.
While you build your habits to reach your personal and professional goals, make time for the simple pleasures of life.
In other words, time off.
One hack I’ve found helpful throughout the years, especially if I’m working on something that might not be my cup of tea, is blocking out an hour or two where I – focus on the task, knowing that once I hit that. too much time or some time at work, I can walk to grab an almond milk latte on the street.
Breaking your work down into bite-sized chunks and scheduling breaks or rewards as you go can be an important way to ensure you’re making progress and enjoying the process as you go.
5. Go outside (and early!)
The benefits of getting outside are endless. Now that we’re getting more sun, make sure you schedule your time to get out to make your week more productive.
Now that most of us have switched to working from home, it can be easy to look back after three days and realize you haven’t left your house (just me?).
One of my favorite ways to make sure I incorporate fresh air and sunshine into my daily life is to plan a morning walk, whether that’s on my commute or just a few things in How much depends on my day. On this trip, I listen to a podcast, music, or a walking meditation to start my day off right.
6. Make a plan for renewal—of your career and your life
Last but not least, we hear a lot about making our homes and belongings more energy efficient when the weather gets nicer. It is a great time to get rid of the old to make way for the new.
But what about work and your life?
Take time to refresh what you have on your plate. Go to your inbox, your desktop, and folders and files on your computer. Delete or keep things you don’t need. Review your to-do list. Are there things that have been there for months? Are they really that important? Check your calendar. Is there anything that can be removed? Are there meetings that are useless?
Dig into your books, what you’re doing, and your work in general – where can you unplug to help you focus on what’s most important?
