Summer for me is always a balancing act. Work is busy with projects falling from the sky, so that's good. But I also want to make the most of the beautiful, warm and sunny days. What to do?
I like to work shorter days during the summer and then head out to play, or, work a few longer days and take a day or two off to play hooky. As long as I get my work done and keep my client's projects moving forward, all is good.
Here are a few tips to keep your clients - and your inner summer self - happy.
Eliminate distractions. Turn off Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. if you can. If you need to check social media for work, set specific times or a time limit for this activity, and don't get sucked into watching all the cute animal videos or reading everyone else's political posts or you'll never get to the beach or the golf course. Stick to business.
Consider getting a subscription to a project management software. There's nothing wrong with getting some price-friendly assistance to manage your deadlines and tasks.
Schedule time to check and respond to email. I keep email closed when I am writing or working on another deadline. But I do check it a few times a day and respond to pertinent messages as I go. Leave the auto generated emails from shopping sites, etc. for some other time, like a rainy day.
At the end of each day, leave yourself a to-do list for the following day. You'll wrap up the work day feeling organized and start the next one with a clear plan of attack.
Next, shut down your computer and get amazing you outside and make some warm summer memories.
Enjoy time with family and/or friends playing in the water, fishing, golfing, attending outdoor concerts, picnics, geocaching, stacking stones, camping, bocce ball, bags, lolling in a hammock, or whatever makes your summer-self smile. You'll be glad you did.
Susan Reetz, of Clear Focus Media, LLC, is a writer/director/producer for film, video, web and print. Her scriptwriting and producing work has earned numerous local, national, and international awards. She also writes feature articles, annual report copy, news releases, web copy, and other promotional materials. She can be reached at 715-212-6239 or Susan@ClearFocus.Media.
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