The evenings are getting cooler. The days are getting shorter. Not to mention we are being bombarded with back to school commercials on TV, in magazines and on the internet. You know what this means… the summer is coming to an end. As students return to school, we fall back in to our normal routine. No more light traffic on the way to work, extended lunches on a patio or weekends at the cottage. All this sounds quite depressing if you ask me. How can you expect to be motivated to go to work let alone get out of bed when it feels like the walls are coming down on you? (Ok…a little dramatic I know).
For the more optimistic crowd, many see this time of year as a fresh start… a time when you put away the summer clothes and bring out a new fall wardrobe. Children begin a new year of school with new teachers and new curriculum. Many return to the gym after a nice long summer break. And for you it can mean a new focus at work…
For many this is the time of year is when their workplace starts revving up for its peak season. This means long hours, often stressful situations and countless lunches at your desk.
To ensure you are ready to handle the demands of a hectic workplace consider these….
- Evaluate your work–life balance – Are you able to dedicate time for your family or do you consistently bring work home with you? The last thing you want it to disrupt your positive family dynamic.
- Schedule personal time with your significant other to ensure he/she is not being over looked. Pulling an “Ari Gold” and making empty promises can be lethal to a relationship. Eventually enough will be enough.
- Take a look at your job – Are you putting in 110% effort into it every day? Are you bored with your role? Is it so demanding that it is running you ragged? Be honest with yourself and your supervisor.
- Motivation – What keeps you going? Is it the thought of the big fat bonus come December or personal recognition of contributing to the overall success of your organization? A pat on the back is always a nice gesture even if it doesn’t come with a monetary reward.
As Labour Day quickly approaches, and we will continue to reminisce about the Saturdays at the beach or weekends spent camping. Remember that with the change of seasons comes a whole new chapter. Instead of focusing on everything you have accomplished or enjoyed this past summer, think of everything that you have yet to experience as we approach the Fall, not to mention we are only 110 days away from Christmas. And who doesn’t love the holidays!
Follow Sandra on Twitter @sandragallacher
