Are you ready to get back to work?
I’ve often mused over the saying ‘the older you get the faster time goes’ as it does seem to generally hold true but I think I would now change it to ‘the older you get the faster change happens’.
It only seems like yesterday that it was New Year and new planning was being done for the coming months. Those months seemed to stretch inexorably ahead and there seemed to be plenty of time to get everything done. After the holiday season, you and your clients are back to work and occasionally it can take some time to get back in the swing of things.
And then, in a flash, the end of the year is looming. Certain plans made earlier are taking longer to come to fruition or have hit delaying obstacles if they haven’t withered and died along the way. It won’t be long before another new year begins and progress assessment so far is not as bright as may have been hoped for.
At this stage a number of feelings can occur. Frustration, exhaustion, general malaise, worry and even panic.
Don’t stress over getting back to work
I have written in the past about how plans must come with continual re-assessment and change of tack when necessary. If you have been doing so then the situation I describe above should not happen as you will have been keeping pace with the ever changing scenarios and be ahead of the game.
However, if you have not been vigilant and flexible beforehand that the state I allude to may well be foremost in your mind. 
However, even if you are the latter there is no need for knee-jerk reactions or headless chicken antics. The important thing is to concentrate on the NOW.
Use now, whenever that may be, to re-assess, re-group, re-plan, change direction. The WHEN is not the important part the continual evolution and progress is if you still want to hit your goals.
Hopefully you will have recharged over the holiday period and learned some stress busting techniques. If you feel anxious about getting back to work after your break, then your first step is to take some deep breaths.
Your next step is to invest some time in reviewing your plans. This is worthwhile, because things will have changed, whether expected or unexpected.
Moving forwards after getting back to work
- Be ruthless, you have three months left until Christmas. What is worth keeping from your plans, what should you junk?
- Be realistic– some of your plans need more time to implement- don’t stress over these, put a note next to them to revisit in January.
- Be rational. What can you truly get done in the time you have and what will give you the best return? I am a believer in dreams; implementing strategies that fulfil your true purpose, but I also know that bills must be paid! Be aware that for many industries January can be a quiet and unprofitable month. You need to maximise this quarter’s revenue to tide you over.
Don’t forget to connect. Your clients may also be feeling the stress of getting back to work and would welcome some clear advice from you. If you have gently kept in touch over the summer break, now is the time to capitalise on that relationship. Remind them of your discussion, help them clarify their own goals and you should find that you become top of mind when they need to implement their own changes.
Getting back to work after a holiday need not be difficult if you employ some stress reduction and keep a clarity of purpose.
If your holiday has thrown up some issues about what you are doing with your life (this often happens) don’t make any hasty decisions, allow those thoughts to simmer. Sometimes we need a break to get perspective, but holiday dreams can wither in the harsh reality of Winter. If you know that change is needed- then apply your planning techniques to that change and if possible, test out a few of those holiday ideas. Any major change needs planning and if you can focus on what is needed for success this quarter you can create time for consideration of future, significant change.