62: 5 Strategies for Working Less in the Summer
Looking to make the most of your summer while still staying on top of work?
Heather shares her experience of adopting a two-day workweek this summer, balancing work and family life. Discover the five key strategies that have enabled her to work less yet still achieve her goals without unnecessary delays or stress.
From placing big projects in other seasons of the year to batching work and being more efficient with time, Heather gives insights into how she manages her businesses while prioritizing time with her kids, and encourages others to adopt similar practices for a more relaxed summer!
Key Takeaways:
- (02:50) Creating a flexible schedule; seasonal work planning
- (05:25) Implementing a two-day workweek
- (07:30) Scheduling the year ahead of time
- (08:05) Placing big projects in other seasons
- (15:30) Batching ahead and working efficiently
Listen to Episode 51: Creating a Work Schedule that Revolves Around Your Life
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Five Strategies to Simplify Your Summer Work Schedule
Do you ever feel trapped in the daily grind of teaching, longing for more flexibility and time to savor summer with your kids? As a former teacher, now a thriving business owner, I understand the struggle. That’s why I’ve pioneered a two-day work week, optimized for summer flexibility, while still maintaining productivity. Here are my top strategies for making this work for you.
Plan Your Year in Advance
Scheduling your year ahead can massively reduce your workload during peak summer months.
By planning annual projects before the year starts, you can allocate your heavy tasks to different seasons, ensuring that summer remains breezy and less demanding.
Strategic Season-Based Workload Distribution
The first step is to identify your big projects and arrange them in a way that prioritizes downtime in the summer.
I allocate heavy tasks to winter and fall, allowing me to take advantage of slower summer months to recharge without compromising business growth.
This approach not only helps in spreading the workload evenly but also ensures that you have the energy when it’s most needed.
Embrace the Power of Batching
Batching involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one dedicated time block.
Instead of switching tasks – which can be mentally exhausting – dedicate specific periods to focus solely on one type of task, whether it be writing emails, scheduling social media posts, or creating content.
For example, before the school year ends, I batch emails for summer in one go. This allows me to automate much of my business, reducing the day-to-day grind.
Practical Steps for Effective Batching
To implement batching:
- Identify repetitive tasks.
- Allocate specific days or times for these tasks.
- Use tools like scheduling software to automate tasks.
By maximizing focus, batching fosters efficiency, reduces errors, and leaves more time for the essential things in life – like family beach trips.
Focus on Tried-and-True Methods
Summer is for relaxation, not for trial and error. By focusing on strategies and tasks you’ve successfully executed before, you save time and minimize stress.
New initiatives typically require learning curves and troubleshooting, which are better tackled during more intensive work periods.
For example, I reuse my successful sales campaigns and email series from previous years. My “Christmas in July” freebie series is a hit every time, even when I reuse previous materials.
The familiarity of the task and materials simplifies the process, makes execution faster, and ensures consistent results.
Work Quickly and Efficiently
The aim is to complete high-quality work more efficiently. Start by setting specific, realistic deadlines. Avoid the perfectionist trap where every email or project is meticulously tweaked.
Often, good enough is perfect, especially when your end goal is to serve your audience and maintain engagement.
Tips for Increasing Productivity
- Set Time Limits: Allocate a fixed amount of time for each task.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus by minimizing background noise and distractions.
- Use Productivity Tools: Tools like ConvertKit for emails or project management apps help streamline tasks.
Working with speed builds confidence and momentum, allowing you to free up more time for what matters.
Avoid New Projects in Slow Seasons
New projects are time-consuming and can lead to unnecessary stress, especially during a season meant for recharging.
Stick with what you know works and save new initiatives for busier, more focused seasons.
Although I’m working on a new summit for the fall, all preliminary work is structured around the laid-back rhythm of summer, focusing on manageable tasks like speaker communications.
This method ensures I’m not overwhelmed while still making progress toward my goals.
Enjoy More Time with Your Family
The essence of a balanced work life is to enjoy the time you free up. Implementing these strategies isn’t just about working less, but about making every moment count.
When you effectively manage your business, you’ll find yourself more present for the important things in life – like spending memorable summers with your kids.
Embrace these methods, and you’ll soon find that achieving a fulfilling, flexible work-life balance is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
Get started today and redefine what it means to be a teacher-preneur in control of your own time.
Here’s to making your summers filled with more freedom and joy without sacrificing your business success. Happy planning!