September. It’s September. Can you believe it?
In the midst of a typically unreliable British summer, the sun is now finding its feet for its traditional September flourish.
After a really tough year we hope both business owners and employees alike, have finally found time to unwind in the sun.
If you still haven’t taken a break, you might want to consider some changes. Last month, we discussed how ‘all work and no play’, will only have you heading one way!
Working From Home
When working from home, it can be difficult to stay motivated at the best of times.
And when the summer months roll around, even the most driven individuals can struggle. As temperatures rise and social calendars fill, staying glued to your office chair can become a challenging task.
How have you kept yourself on task this year? How do you plan on keeping strong through the remaining weeks of summer?
If you’re struggling for motivation, while trying to savour every last drop of summer, here’s a few tips that might help…
Focus on Output
Lockdown is now a distant memory and the sun is doing its best to shine (even if only temporarily). This can only mean one thing! more ice-cream dates, park trips, and back garden BBQs than ever before!
Suddenly clocking off early is a much more enticing prospect.
You might find your lunch breaks starting to lengthen as you take slightly longer to stroll, or laze in the precious sunlight. Should you feel guilty for this? We don’t think so.
What’s important here, is output – what is actually getting done. If deadlines are being met, targets hit, and objectives achieved, it’s difficult to criticise your working practices.
Output should always be prioritised over hours at the desk (which is just one of the many reasons you should get yourself a Virtual Assistant!)
We’ve all had a tough year, so finishing a little earlier to get to the park while the sun is still shining can definitely be forgiven.
Unfortunately, summer doesn’t last forever. When the darkness of December returns, you’ll be yearning for these brighter, longer days! Make the most of them while they’re still here!
‘Treating’ yourself to moments like these will do wonders for your wellbeing. And, a happier you, is a more motivated you. So, stay on top of those commitments, and keep smiling!
Show Some Leniency
We’ve all had a really tough year, so if it comes to Friday afternoon, you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities and your deadlines are met, it might be time to cut yourself some slack.
You shouldn’t feel bad for showing yourself a bit of compassion and clocking off a little early. Remind yourself of how hard you’ve worked this year – you deserve a win.
Be Flexible
The biggest perk of being self-employed is that you don’t have to conform to the standard 9-5.
If you want to take a longer lunch break to catch-up with a friend in the sun, go for it! Those emails will still be there when you get back and you’re free to make the time up once the sun has set!
Of course, none of this is possible without!
Good Communication
Make sure responsibilities, expectations, and deadlines are communicated clearly. If explicitly aware of these, you can be confident in managing your own schedule and work load.
Allowing you to know if you really do have time for that Mr Whippy!
Set Boundaries
Make sure you, your clients, and colleagues have the same understanding. If there are parts of the work day where availability is simply non-negotiable, tell them!
Clearly setting boundaries gives you both the freedom to make the most of your time. It will help prevent any mishaps, and leave everyone happier.
Work Comes First
Of course, your role must be fulfilled, deadlines met and clients kept smiling.
If you’re able to this, then don’t forget to reward yourself – get your dose of vitamin D before the chance is gone!
If you’re desperate for a break, but are still struggling to get your workload under control, your very own VA might be the answer. Contact VIVA Support to see how we can help take a load off your mind.