The dog days of summer are upon us, and between vacation, back-to-school, and “kids during Covid” (a horror movie script I’m writing) I have not been very productive. Duh.
Normally, I would have coached myself to let go, not be too hard on myself, and create islands of focus where possible. But this lagging feeling was dragging me down, making me realize that the truest form of self-care now would be cracking down on my tasks with a vengeance. (OK, August’s vengeance is January’s feeble effort, but at least I’m making progress.)
Feeling it, too? Want to get your butt back in motion? Write me back, let’s schedule something for September… 😉
Palm tree image credit: Photo by MarcTutorials from Pexels
I’ll never quite understand why school goes back in session here in Texas in the middle of August. Where I grew up, it was September and felt like fall. We’re still stuck right in the middle of the dog days and it creates a lot of cognitive dissonance to have to start thinking “fall”. All that to say, I feel your pain. Give yourself some grace. I think everyone is in a bit of a weird spot.
Agreed. Unfortunately with global warming, sometimes it feels like autumn is starting in November… 😉
Love this, Shlomit! Great quote, too. I do find that doing something productive is the best medicine–but then you don’t get as much done when–Summer!!!
Love this quote! One of the things that kept my sanity throughout the summer is relaxation. Trust me, my version of relaxation always includes some element of productivity – even in my mind. This is somewhat of a new muscle considering that I’m typically a rev mode. A big lesson for me has been using the power of slowing down to speed up and kick my goals out of the park. I reworked some goals last night and I’m so ready to skip into September.
I allowed myself to relax for a great part of the summer, and it’s been amazingly wonderful. However, my work runs in seasons, Fall and Spring, so it’s time to rev up again! And, you’d think with adult sons, it wouldn’t be as much a factor (and it’s not, honestly) but I’m still amazed at how much time being a present, supportive parent takes!
Yup!!!!
Shlomit, you make me laugh out loud every time. I look forward to some future time when we can have a coffee or adult beverage together. And this is true, I’m feeling it too. Things are ‘starting’ again – school for me (as a teacher) and my kids, new job for my daughter, people actually leaving the house because there are place to go and people to see. Makes me want to get after things!
Learning that some personality types (mine included) flourish more by racking up wins, rather than resting was a game changer. Thanks for the reminder!
Well, I’m a HUGE fan of this sentiment as someone who runs a coworking community around marketing and PRODUCTIVITY! Woo! And I’m seeing it in our numbers. The summer slump is turning around and folks are getting eager to roll up their sleeves!!
Yay for us (aspiring) productivity buffs!
OMG, Shlomit, I love your sense of humor! Thanks for this! I’ve been creating “islands of focus” all summer long, even when that means getting up at 4 am (I’m a morning person, so that’s not as painful as it sounds!) I’m looking forward to the return to a “normal” schedule–though the first day of school (today!) got cancelled!
Yes! I am somehow cruising through these August days never even attempting to tackle the big projects that are sitting right here. Let’s do this!
Love the quote! I know there’s good advice out there about “eating the frog” first thing in the morning but what I find works better for me is finding the low-hanging fruit to build some momentum. Quick things that only take 2-5 minutes to complete and check-off the to-do list makes me feel confident that I can keep more things off the to-do list.
I feel that, too. Unfortunately, summer break makes me revert back to getting up late (my natural rhythm) and then the pace with the rest of the household is all off. But September is coming!