Productive business habits for the fall
We’re here – the most glorious season of the year! Well, almost. September is what I like to call ‘conceptual fall.’ Our minds and souls are ready for the autumn even if the temperatures and trees are not.
Fall is an amazing time to tap into our productivity, build new habits, and set goals for the rest of the year. Here are some ways I make use of my favorite season in my work.
Settle back into a routine
For the first twenty or so years of our lives, the real start to the ‘year’ wasn’t sparked by Champaign, fireworks, and a toast to January 1, but by the first day of a new school year. Fresh pencils, a new backpack, and the return of a solid routine after months of loose schedules and fun.
For those with children, fall still may seem like the natural return to productivity and routine. But even if you live entirely apart from the school system these days, I think the start of September brings back that natural change in our mindset. Now is the time to hunker down in the cozy vibes of autumn and get to serious work.
Whatever your summer routine was, look to create a new and improved one for the fall. Plan your days, buy some new office supplies, restructure your virtual organization systems, and set goals to accomplish by the end of the (calendar) year. Tap into your inner child, feed off the academic vibes swirling around you, and set a new focus on a solid routine.
Networking and contacts
Summer is a tough time to network and coax work out of reluctant clients and employees. A lot of networking organizations take a break during the summer, or lighten their schedule to accommodate for traveling participants.
September is a great time to fill up your calendar with networking events and start reaching out to potential clients or partners.
Read a business book
What is fall if not the season of books? School books, dark academia novels, cozy romances – or maybe a business or motivational book. We all need a refresh in perspective, exposure to new ideas, and inspiration to do better work and be better people.
Make a list of books that could improve your business and choose a few to read this fall. Make some tea, sit outside in the slightly cooler air, and get inspired.
Use walks for planning & reflecting
Our imaginations often perform at their best capacity when we’re moving. Take a daily walk through the changing leaves and reflect on your work, hobbies, goals, and dreams. Use the outdoors to inspire ideas and boost your mood.
You can even use walks as a form of meditation, or set yourself a topic to contemplate for the duration of the walk: What is my 3-month plan for my work? How can I improve content for this client by the end of next week? What is my ‘why’ for the job I do and how can I stay motivated and make my work more fun?
These topics somehow seem less daunting when you’re walking through neighborhoods, a park, or a forest – especially in this most delightful of seasons!
Work outside
In the same vein as taking daily walks, take your work outside if you can! Bring a laptop, notebook, or tablet onto your porch, balcony, or nearby park. If the weather’s bad, visit a café.
Changing scenery can really boost productivity and bring new inspiration. And it’s fun!
Make use of delicious beverages
Spiced tea, pumpkin lattes, steamy versions of our favorite iced drinks – what better compliments a new work routine than a new beverage to sip on while we do it?
This may seem silly, but making a certain drink at a certain time every day and tying it in with a work routine can really signify to your brain that it’s time to buckle down and focus. It also makes working more fun and feel like a treat instead of an obligation.
What are your favorite fall habits for productivity and cozy vibes?
