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I can’t be the only one who, some 15 years after finishing school, still can’t shake the academic calendar out of my mind. The Summer for me is a time to rest and reflect on the previous 12 months and consider what needs to change. Am I happy? Am I fulfilled both personally and professionally? Today I want to look at positive changes that can be easily implemented into your life - things that I wish I had started to do as soon as I was free of the confines of the educational system and could find my own processes for navigating life and becoming better organised. Spoiler alert: I’m still figuring it out! But I’vemade good progress.
Time management
During school my time was always structured for me. Even when teachers weren’t guiding me, I could emulate what my friends were doing, so if they were writing up revision cards, I would do the same. Now, as someone who has been self employed for the best part of a decade time management is so important. I have to understand how my brain works best to ensure that each day is as efficient as possible. There are still some days when I struggle to get it together, often because I haven’t been following my own tips for effective time management.
For my working week I have a diary and a notebook. I prefer an undated diary because I only work 5 days a week usually and I keep social appointments and things like doctor appointments on my phone calendar. But when organising my working week, I like to keep it old school and use paper and pen. I put the headlines of the week in the undated diary and then the details and to do lists go onto the blank notebook. This layout helps to improve my time management and keep my days productive. The notebook can be used for jotting down ideas, important numbers from phone conversations as well as a list that I can tick off as I go through the day. It also means that the next day when I get to my desk, I don’t have to remember to find a digital list on an app or somewhere hidden on a screen. It’s right there on the desk, waiting for me. I will also start a fresh new list on a new page, just adding what I didn’t manage to do the previous day. If something is important, I add a star to it and then figure out how much time I need for each thing. There is no point in cramming a million things onto a list, because that instantly becomes an impossible task. Instead, add a maximum of 5 things to get done. For example, today Iset myself the task of packing and posting the weekends orders, taking two new photos for two future newsletters that will be emailed out. Write this blog post, load new cards onto the website and - if I have time -continue with new card designs. Having a short list helps me to stay focused and less stressed because, inevitably, I will get distracted with other tasks I think of throughout the day. But I have the time to do them and still complete my list.
Postitive Mental Attitude
It’s all well and good giving yourself daily affirmatons like ‘today is going to be a good day’, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a good day! Help yourself by making it more likely. The next few things I suggest may seem so small and inconsequential, but I promise they help to build your self-confidence for the rest of the day making it more likely that you will be efficient and happy. So when you wake up, drink at least one large glass of water – your body needs it after having a night’s sleep. Make the bed properly and with care. When choosing what to wear, choose clean clothes and make an effort with the outfit. I’m not saying a full blown suit, but something that makes you feel good. That could be a crisp white t-shirt, adding some jewellery to your outfit or switching up the bag you usually use. For me, wearing earrings will always give me immediate confidence. I could walk into the offices of Vogue wearing sweats, but I have earrings on, so we’re all good. Through out the day, clear your head from the day’s challenges even if it’sfor 15 minutes. Just having a little bit of time and physical distance away from a situation allows you to find perspective and reassess how best to tackle it. If you do use a notebook, there is no harm in writing a small positive affirmation to help you stay positive and confident. A simple ‘You got this’ works well as your personal mini cheerleader.
Decision making
Over the Summer, you may have just finished school or you’re looking to start a new job or maybe your role at home is changing as the kids get older. Whatever it is, if you find yourself stuck trying to decide which way to go, speak to your friends and family. The people who know you the most have your back and wish only the best for you. You may not even need their advice and just thinking out loud could be enough for you to know what you really want to do. And even if you don’t make the right decision at least you have made one and you’re not stuck in no man’s land anymore. Leaning on those closest to you through tough times is not a show of weakness, it is a way to not only show people that you value them but it can bring you comfort knowing that you’re not alone. If you really can’t speak to someone grab that notebook and create a pro’s and con’s list. I have been doing them since I was a teenager and they are so, so useful, but please… if the issue is about a person, remember to destroy the list afterwards, noone needs a moment a la Rachel and Ross from Friends.
Be kind to yourself
It’s ok to take a break for 15 minutes, a month, a year! It’s ok to just be you and not try and mould yourself to other people’s expectations. Treat yourself to the pastry or the sketchbook for the dreams and ideas that may or may not happen. If it brings you more pleasure than pain, it’s worth it! We live in a world where we are bombarded by instant results, all wins and no loss. It’s not real. But I completely understand that when it’s all you see, it’s hard to ignore it. My suggestion: try and figure out who you are, to the best of your ability. Learn what your boundaries are across all facets of your life. It could be not going out Monday to Thursday or only having one glass of wine or even not picking up the phone to those outside of your emergency contacts after 7pm. These small changes can allow you the headspace to relax, focus on yourself and your own journey. And be open to the change that life throws at you. I am not the person I was last year, and next year’s me will be different to this year’s. Growth is good but hard at times. Journaling, seeing friends, exercising, meditation and reading all help. Don’t feel guilty for taking the time to do these activities, they allow you to have the patience and focus needed to accomplish everyday life.
If you are looking to make a change this summer, I wish you the best of luck and remember you’re not alone! Equally, remind your friends that you’re there for them too, we all need a little reminding every now and then.
