I write a lot about productivity, time management, and why your workflow should change with the seasons. It's a topic I'm passionate about and an area I'm continually trying to improve in my own life. This summer Bennis Public Relations will celebrate its 12th anniversary! During that time, I've learned quite a few things about work-life balance, boundaries, and raising two babies - now grade schoolers. I know I'm not alone in the ever-evolving landscape of a working parent who has many hats to wear and desires to wear them all (mostly) well. Here are my big thoughts on achieving a balanced and productive summer work schedule that allows you to be present with family, savor a more laid-back lifestyle, and still nurture a thriving business.
Get Real About What You Desire
Creating a "dream" summer schedule first requires having a clear dream of what you desire your summer workflow to look like. For me, it doesn't look like a 3-month vacation where I completely put work on hold. I love what I do and I want to keep doing it, even if it's at a more relaxed pace over the summer months when my kids are off school. What I desire is flexible Mondays and Fridays without any meetings or calls scheduled. This allows me to get work done if that's what I want to do. Or I can choose to spend all or part of those days enjoying an extended weekend with family, by the pool, or doing something just for "me" - since having two more people in the house full time can really stretch an introvert to her limits. And I also desire shortened work hours Tues-Thur, so I only schedule calls or meetings between 10am-2:30pm. This allows me to be present with my kids in the morning before setting them up with whatever activity they have planned for the day, and having some open time in the afternoon before dinner to enjoy some downtime.
Block Schedule Your Time
While this "dream" schedule is certainly ideal, it only works if I stay focused during the time I do carve out for work. This is why block scheduling is key. The biggest myth of time management is that you can multitask. No one can do multiple things well simultaneously. And while there are plenty of exceptions to this absolute statement I just made, I'll further qualify it by saying no one can juggle work and family time simultaneously and do it well. If there's one thing I've learned over the past 12 years, this is it. So, during the summer I stay focused and committed to honoring the activity I have carved out for that particular time. Here's what this (roughly) looks like for me in the summer...
6am-7:30am - Get a head start on answering emails and completing at least one work must-do for the day.
7:30am-9am - Time with family, breakfast, dropping kids off at a camp or getting them set up with an activity.
9am-10am - "Me" time, exercise, time spent outside in movement, etc.
10am-2:30pm - Dedicated work time. This is when I schedule necessary calls. I take very limited in-person meetings or events over the summer.
2:30pm-5pm - Wind down the day, some more time spent outside, tackle some chores, and spend time with kids.
5pm and on - Dedicated family time.
Manage Expectations and Maintain Boundaries
With a block schedule to guide my time, I can set and reinforce boundaries. When someone requests something of me that falls into a block that's not typically scheduled for that activity I can weigh it against its pros and cons. A social lunch in the middle of the work day could mean needing to work into the afternoon hours which is carved out for my own R&R and family time. Maybe that's worth it for a day, but maybe it's not. I can also fall back on my summer schedule as justification for when I make myself available for certain tasks and activities. And I've learned to defend those without flinching. Just as any business sets its work hours, consultants can (and should!) too. Just because we can be available doesn't mean it's in our best interest to be available. This brings me to...
Remember Your Why
I made the entrepreneurial leap at such a young age because I didn't want to waste any more time working for a future opportunity to actually enjoy the majority of my waking hours. I didn't want to defer happiness and freedom to retirement or some future date that would only be a moving goalpost. This "why" applies to every decision I made today as it relates to the work-life balance of my business and family. Summer is a beautiful season of life to recalibrate the scales that may have gotten imbalanced over time. It's a season when people are more accepting of a laidback schedule and even celebrate it. While I wish we could all carry this mindset into the other three seasons, I'll surely capitalize on using summer as my reason to even the scores and reclaim more flexible time that allows me to make memories that really count. As it has been said in so many ways, "Live a life you don't need to take a vacation from." I wish you each the same!
Does your workflow change with the seasons? This summer what are some changes you're making to your schedule to achieve balance and productivity? Join me in the comments to share ideas!
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