Three tips on diving back into the working year
Holiday blues? New year work anxiety? Procrastination? Low motivation?
Are any of these feeling familiar as we get back into work after the holidays?
That looming feeling...
I certainly started to feel a little anxiety in the last few days of my holiday, knowing that the vacay was coming to an end and my long to-do list was looming. I wanted to bury my head in the sand a little longer, quite literally, and spend another day with a book on the beach.
But the truth is, we will have to face reality at some point and the anxiety and dread will only build further the longer you delay or procrastinate. It's my belief that the only way to get over these feelings is to address whatever is causing you to feel anxious.
"We're going on a bear hunt"
For any parents reading this, you may be familiar with the book “We’re going on a bear hunt”. For those who are not literary experts in children's books, in searching for the elusive bear, the family encounters various obstacles on their journey and the words “you can't go over it, you can't go under it, you have to go through it'' becomes the mantra.
When putting my kids to bed the other night I was reflecting on how these words can apply to so many aspects of life in general. There are many things we can't go over, we can't go under, we just have to face it head on and go through it.
As daunting as this can seem, there are always things that can be done to make the process a little easier.
TIP #1 - Ease the unease with a plan
Remind yourself what your vision and purpose is and use this as motivation. Take some time to write a plan aligned to your vision and purpose for how you are going to approach your first week, month, or quarter
You will feel more prepared and ready for whatever is coming your way -- you will likely get excited about all those work goals you are going to strive for.
TIP #2 - You are not alone
Remember that you will not be the only one feeling this way, so take comfort in the fact that there will be many others who are in the same boat. Reach out and talk to a friend or a colleague and share how you are feeling, it definitely makes it easier to get into it.
TIP #3 - Don't delay, just jump in
The only way to get over it is to get into it. Procrastination fuels anxiety, so take a deep breath and dive in. Even if it means opening your emails before you are due back at work - just do it, you will feel much better for it.
If you are feeling those back to work blues and need a little motivation, I have now bitten the bullet and am back into it with gusto, so feel free to give me a call. If you are looking to set some business goals, or need support in your vision and purpose, Sprout can help you there too.
Wishing everyone a happy, productive and prosperous year ahead.
Angela is a co-founder of Sprout, adept story-reader, yoga teacher and Mum of two! If your business is ready to scale get in touch today.
