Fall: A Time of Transition
Fall is a time of transition in many ways, and it starts as soon as we cross into September. Back to school and full work schedules, dusting the cobwebs off our organizers and planners that developed during the warm, sunny months. August 31st can seem like the end of an era.
For many of us, September can feel like the “new year”, a time to recharge and re-launch. But it’s not an open road to productivity unless you intentionally make it so. You are leaving behind the seasonal simplicity of summer and heading into more complicated time management for you, your family, and your business. If you’re not paying attention, you can fall out of the lazy river of summer and head right down the waterfall.
Here are some ways you can ease the transition and have a balanced and productive September.
Set some goals
Spend some time thinking about the first two quarters of the year, then set a few realistic goals to work towards now. Goal setting strengthens your business mindset, so start with things that are focus, direction, and motivation driven. It reminds you of your potential and what’s really possible in your business: how to make more income, how you can operate more efficiently, what new marketing strategies you can implement, or how you can show up and manage your time better. Then focus on the top two or three things that will have the biggest impact on your business this fall.
Revisit key targets and assess your business plan
Commit to tracking and improving metrics in your business. How often do you want to network and in how many groups? What’s the right number of 1:1 calls for you each month? Are you happy with the number of blogs or social posts you are producing? Is your sales goal within reach but keeping you motivated? These are targets that can really move the needle.
Consider seasonality implications in your business
Do you do something special in the 4th quarter season in your business, like promotions, offers, or gatherings for end of year gratitude? This is a great time to plan these out. Do you take a chunk of time off for the holidays that you need to account for? Are you hosting one of the bigger holidays and need a block of time to prep, enjoy, and decompress? Plan your marketing and promotion around your other known obligations.
Be intentional about your schedule
How will your calendar shift? Did you take extra time off that you’ll compensate for now? Update your automated scheduler and block off fall holidays and any time you plan to take off, like to take your child to college. Don’t forget to schedule time for last minute school supply shopping. Set some time each day to update your calendar so you don’t over schedule yourself.
What’s on tap for the fall?
September does not mean all work and no play. Before your calendar gets filled, make sure you schedule some fun things and some down time. Going through transitional times requires extra energy, make sure you give yourself time to refuel. Try apple picking, a local harvest festival you always miss, or a long weekend in the country this fall.
What will YOU need for a successful transition?
How will you function at your best? Maybe you need a day or two off the first week of school when the house is quiet. Finish that last summer book, catch a movie, or take a nap out in the yard. Create a buffer before you jump back into your business. Take the time you need to accomplish some personal goals.
Reflect on this summer
Were there things you thought you would do but just didn’t have the time? Post a reminder on your calendar for next April or May to schedule those things. Did you manage your free time with balance and intention? There’s always something that needs your attention. Don’t let it stop you from getting the self-care time you need.
What self care routines do you need to put in place for the fall?
This is important for everyone, but probably a little more obvious for the parents who just spent 24/7 with their littles over the summer. With more time for yourself, what self-care routines do you want to put in place or get back to? Want to get to the gym twice a week after the school drop-off? Or get back to your beloved yoga practice with your favorite teacher? Maybe you want to journal or keep up your reading time.
Following just a few of these can ensure that you float calm and steadily into September.
I help clients close the gap between setting goals and actually achieving them. Part of that is planning and preparing for transitions so that they go smoothly. Let’s schedule a call to discover how I can help you manage your responsibilities and have more time.
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