I’m Reclaiming My Weekends This Month. Here’s Why.
Rumour has it that summer is here, although you really wouldn’t think it. As I write I’m curled up in an armchair wearing several layers and my big winter slippers. But apparently it really IS summer, and I’ve decided I want to enjoy it!
A few weeks ago I told Tom The Husband that I’d do my best not to work during the weekends in June.
Now, don’t get me wrong - I have strong boundaries when it comes to client work. But I do sometimes spend a few hours on business development stuff at weekends. That kind of work always feels like fun to me, particularly when it involves ideas, flipcharts and sharpies. But it’s still work, right?
So, this month I’m making a commitment right here, right now:
I won’t do anything work-related over the weekends for the whole of June.
(You may have noticed that in my original declaration to Tom I said I’d ‘try my best’. But in the words of Yoda, “Do, or do not. There is no try.” So I’ve decided to just jolly well do it – or not do it in this case.)
You are my accountability buddy in this endeavour. I’m telling you about it because I need you to hold me to it! (There’s more about accountability, and why a public declaration can be so powerful, in this blog post from last year.)
But I’m not just writing this post for my own selfish means!
There’s a reason WHY I’m making this commitment to myself. I hope that sharing this with you might inspire you to move through the coming months with greater ease.
A few of my pals are turning 40 during June, and we have lots of birthday celebrations coming up. In fact, Tom and I don’t have a free weekend until at least the middle of July. I’m an introverted soul and get very tired when there’s too much peopling going on. I need time on my own to recharge. Filling the non-social moments with work does not feel like a very smart move!
If I want to enjoy all the fun things we have planned, I need to take care of myself. That means protecting space for something nurturing and restful. It also means being extra mindful of my own productivity blocks so I’m able to focus during the week.
I encourage my mentoring clients to think about their home, social and business lives when making plans (rather than thinking of each in isolation). Those different sides of you are all important and, whether you like it or not, they do affect each other. If you have a busy few weeks socially, chances are you’ll feel tired in your business. If you’re in the midst of a launch, your social life may suffer. And that’s ok. The key is awareness (isn’t it always?!). If you’re aware of everything you have going on, you can be prepared for it and make better choices. Like, for example, choosing not to work at weekends during June.
Take a look at your calendar. Do you have a busy social season coming up? Or lots going on with the kids? Consciously choosing to take your foot off the gas in advance could save you a whole heap of anguish later!
If you’d like to make your own declaration, I’d love to hear it! Share it with us in the comments below.