As the long daylight hours of summer begin to wind down, there’s no denying that fall is upon us, and it’s time to shift gears for the season.
As the temperatures cool off, work schedules typically start to ramp up. The following are a few ways to make the transition easier, and help get you into the zone to focus on a successful autumn in your career –
1~ Dress Appropriate. Even it it’s still warm outside, remember to dress professionally at work. From your footwear to your fabrics, you want to look appropriate at the office in case a CEO wants to speak to you. Strive for a professional and polished look this season, as how you dress is a direct reflection of how you perceive yourself.
2~ Ditch Summer Hours. Summer might have brought you the opportunity to leave early on Fridays, or working from home more – but it’s time to adjust to putting in longer hours at the office. Set high expectations for yourself and try to anticipate new and more interesting projects in store. This is the time of year to shine and be more productive.
3~ Add Extra Commute Time. Now that many people are heading back to work after having the summer off, and school buses are back on the road, be sure to add extra minutes each morning for the commute to and from work. Instead of allowing the busy roads stress you out, just leave a few minutes early and try listening to a new pod cast during the trip.
4~ Get Networking. Now that people have returned from vacations, face time can ramp up for you. Be diligent with reaching out to new clients as well as following, and catching up with existing contacts. Because fall is busy for all offices, try to stop in personally and schedule lunch or coffee interactions with people.
5~ Keep Track of Your Schedule. As your life gets into full swing this season, be sure to write things down to stay on top of all of the added activities you will have. By keeping track of everything planned, you will be able to schedule meetings and lunch dates with clients without forgetting anything. Don’t overbook yourself, as you may also have added engagements too, like sporting events or family gatherings.
6~ Remember You Time. As you quickly jump full force into the busiest time of year, don’t forget to take care of yourself and to take a few minutes each day to pamper yourself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when your schedule becomes busy, but a few minutes at the gym, or an afternoon coffee break can do numbers for relaxing the body and mind.
By keeping a few things in mind, planning, and keeping a positive attitude, fall can be your most productive time of year.
