Monday Motivation: Warm Weather Plans

Happy Monday. As the weather gets a little warmer, the desire to do less work becomes more real. Finding a way to work smarter and not harder will be become more of a way of life. Many jobs have a relaxed schedule that will allow many to work longer hours in the beginning of the week in exchange for a longer weekend. Others may allow you as you work from home you may need to switch up your work location. For those who do not have the flexibility let’s talk about ways to add value to your days and encourage your work plan to work for you.

Flexible Work Schedule

If your job allows it you should use it. I know plenty of people who do not and find themselves irritated with co-workers who do. This is simply not the way to live. Make great use of your time even if you do not have plans. Working a few more hours in the week and taking off Friday or leaving early on a Friday should be the key to work life balance. Do not only simply use it if you have plans scheduled. Instead get into the practice of taking it and having some down time. Many who are parents use that time to run errands before picking up their kids.

Use the time to find an activity that you like to do, meet up with friends, or simply be happy to be off. We claim we are so tired and we could be. The large majority of us do not use our time wisely. Instead we get frustrated because we feel that being overworked. It will not always yield better results. If you have ever worked anywhere you know that you can work yourself to the bone and if something happens to you-your job will show you. They will replace you and send your items to loved ones. All of the hard work won’t be life changing as you are telling yourself it will be.

Work From Home/Any Location

This is the mecca of a great situation outside of working for yourself. The flexibility that is built in allows you to travel and see the world while also getting your work done. Use this to your fullest advantage. Many people I know will do things like travel on a Tuesday to a new location on a late flight. Once at their new location they will set up shop for their work days. Things like making sure they have traveling wifi so that the connection to their job is secure and more will be vital. Then when the day is over you have the evening to explore. Be aware of time changes too when traveling. This is helpful to make sure that you can commit to the time change while traveling and meeting the demands of your job.

No Flex or Work from Home Options

If you work a traditional job and can’t afford to travel while working or more than build in self care days. For instance schedule at least 1-2 days that are either on a Monday or a Friday. This will allow you days to take a day trip, do some self care, or binge a few shows uninterrupted. The importance of these days will help you have something to look forward to. Pay attention if you aren’t able to schedule these days close to the Summer holidays. Choose the week before or after to indulge in your extra days off. This is great for those who can’t afford to take off more than a few days a month anyway. Explore your or a neighboring city, do a road trip, or plan a staycation.

Calling All Entrepreneurs

When you are a small business there is no days off especially if you work all of the roles. I get it. Putting in that initial hard work will pay off as you build. There is still nothing wrong with one getting help if you are able. The other is to build in down days. For instance several times in the month I block off days. This is essential to saying NO to the world so that I can say Yes to me. Do not be afraid to lose an opportunity in order to maintain your peace.

Working smarter and not harder should always include down time and self preservation. This Monday map out the rest of your Summer. Make sure that you are intentional in your use of time. We don’t always have the time to take but if we have it use it wisely. There is no need to continue to allow burn out to be your story. Happy Monday as we use our time for us.