Summer Slow Down Inspiration

Written By: Carisa Holmes-Peters

 Summer Days

For many businesses, summer can be associated with a slowdown. That doesn’t mean we have to keep ourselves in slow gear the whole summer. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love summer! It is the only time of year that I vacation, so summer for me, brings on a much-appreciated break from the business routine. Summer can bring up sun, fun, and kids home on break just to name a few of the things we may look forward to.  

There is nothing wrong with being able to slow down and enjoy the slower pace of summer. 

If you are able, set aside some downtime during the summer and use it to your advantage. Rather than having all this anticipation building up for the summer fun and then fall prey to disappointment when it ends, use it to fuel you. 

Summon Your Spark

I have recognized when I allow my mental & physical energies to slow a bit, this spark happens. It feels like a sparkler that has just been lit. Does anyone feel this too? Just by creating the white space, I refill my supply of creativity, ideas, and energy. This spark of energy is what allows me to refocus at the halfway point of the year and make sure I am pleased with the progress I am making. 

If you need a kick start try asking yourself these questions:

• What goals did I wish I would accomplish this year?
• What has gotten in my way of achieving them?
• What are two things I could do now to get me closer by the end of the year?

Write down your answers and spend some time brainstorming what you would like your outcome to be. Now take what you come up with and write an action plan that includes each step-by-step action and add those to your calendar. For some extra guidance refer to my blog post  on this topic.

Show Summer Who’s Boss!

What I am suggesting here is that you consider doing both. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Allow the slowdown and time for rejuvenation and then right when you are returning from that break, you ask yourself the kick start questions above. Take advantage of the white space you have created. Remember, you must go through this process while you are still flying high with the clarity that the respite has provided you. 

You are the boss of your life and how you choose to spend your time. Choose wisely. Learning how to harness the benefits of downtime is just as important as the laser focus you have when you are in your productivity periods the rest of the year. 

“In the quiet moments, the discoveries are made.”

~Vera Farmiga – American Actress/Director/Producer

Carisa Holmes has 25+ years of experience in leadership and office culture. She is currently an Owner and Administrator of Holmes Marketing Services. In her current role, she focuses mostly on Human Relations, Client Experience, and Office Culture.