Back to School for Entrepreneurs (and busy professionals)
Many of my clients are also parents. Even if you aren’t a parent, there is something to be said for a fresh start in the fall. We can all soak in and benefit from the back-to-school vibes… Prepping supplies and structures, new beginnings, and routines. Get dialed in and ready to renew.
It starts with you…
What are the habits that you want to prioritize this season? New schedules and calendars often mean an opportunity to take a fresh look at how you go about your day. Do you want to prep a nutritious lunch the night before? Meal prep for each week? Hydrate more? Schedule in more “me time” (with a book, walk, or art)? Try a new workout class?
Start small but prioritize one thing for you that your future-self will thank you for.
Clean up your meeting calendar…
What meetings are still valuable? Which meetings can you do without? Is there an opportunity to alter the frequency, length or agenda that would make you feel better about this commitment? What else is cluttering your calendar? Do you have old reminders on there that need deletion?
It feels so good to clean things up. White space on your calendar might make you anxious but sometimes it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your productivity.
Organize…
This might be the perfect time to get yourself some new office supplies. Do your surfaces need cleaning or drawers need to be cleaned out? Never underestimate the power of a good de-clutter! This doesn’t need to stop at your office. Closets, clothes or books to donate, thank those items for how they have served you and then release them.
“Keep only things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.” - Mary Kondo
Refresh your routines…
I work with my clients a lot on morning and evening routines, rituals and a rhythm for their business. The fall is an excellent time to re-visit these. Don’t change for the sake of change but ask yourself - what’s working, what’s not working and what would the next-level look like for my regular routines?
One hint is to look at your goals and where you’d like to be in 5 years. Now ask yourself, what routines and rituals does the future-version-of-me (who has achieved these goals) have?
Braindump…
What else would feel good to you this season? There are things floating around in your brain that might need to get dumped onto the page so that you can see your mental load and desires right in front of you. Take out a fresh sheet of paper and make a list of all the things that are on your mind that you’d like to be, do and have.
Lastly, answer the question, “wouldn’t it be nice if…” and make a list. Don’t pick up your pen until your brain feels empty. Now that it's on paper, you can prioritize and determine what matters most to you this season.
