How to recharge this summer?
Routines are incredibly important. They are efficient, helping us to get it done with minimum friction. But actually, I believe it is equally important to live your life on your terms, not solely dictated by a routine.
A routine does not allow for spontaneity and for you to listen to what your body needs.
Summer is your time to practice routine breaking!
You know how the saying goesโฆ. Well, actually the many sayings, take your pickโฆ.
What goes up, must come down
For every high, there is a low
You have to slow down to speed up
There is a season for everything
In the summer months, there is a natural break in the yearly rhythm with children off school, less traffic on the roads, longer, brighter days here in Ireland and everyone in the office off on holidays at different times. Staying stuck to your routine can actually leave you frustrated
Getting sign off on anything feels impossible, with all the annual leave being juggled
Your children are unleashed with no routine, while you battle to keep 9-5pm normality
You didnโt get outside once during the week of sunshine and now you are frustrated that its raining and grey
Your numbers are dropping with no clients around & your team โslackingโ
......................Does no one else seem to care? Am I the only one working here?!
This summer, I am leaning into spontaneity and presence.
As an business-owner, I have no excuse but myself. From the outside, it looks like business owners have the freedom of time and space. The reality is very different - If I am not working, I am not earning, there is no holiday pay. However, I do have choice and I am leaning into it. I chose this path to do the work that I love while being present in my life.
This summer, I am committing to routine breaking and soaking up every moment of presence & connection to charge me up for the rest of the year. This does not mean my work stops. This means, I am going to lean into creativity and accountability. How?
Starting work early and finishing earlier, with clear goals for each day
Making plans for evening meet ups to get me out of the house
Saying yes to fun (unless I have a really good reason not to)
Completing my childrenโs summer bucket list
****No better accountability than your children making a summer bucket list that all involves their parents being chauffeurs. This week, we ticked off crab fishing and the beach, with a glorious mid-week trip to spend two days with friends in Wexford.
Are you up for the challenge of embracing some summer routine breaking?
I believe we all have a choice, more choice than we can see, until we start to look. The great news is that there is a ripple effect. A manager who commits to a new team routine for a month, creates an empowered and energised team, for example. The formula for breaking your routine is creativity and accountability. Here is a list of ideas to get your planning started.... Could you complete one of these challenges this summer?
....and as for accountability, you can find that anywhere if you are brave enough.
Comment here with your commitment and tag a friend who will support you
Book an activity with a friend so you can both hold each other accountable
Tell your kids what day you will be off work early....and they will never let that slide!
Are you ready to break the routines for your team this summer?
Get in touch to invite me in for a lunch and learn workshop.
You set the goal and leave the rest to me. I can bring my Lego Serious Play Kit, my coloured markers and playful energy to deliver sessions that will create a space for your team to reset, reflect & reconnect.
