June is one of my favorite months because it generally means I’m due for a summer schedule refresh! After the busyness of the spring and with a slow season coming up, I like to scale back my schedule and routine. Slowing down helps me refocus and remember what my big goals and dreams are!
3 Tips for a Summer Schedule Refresh
Today I’m sharing 3 tips that help me refresh my schedule when summer comes around! Since my little guy is in child care year-round, I’m not to the age yet where I have kids at home during their summer break! But these tips can apply to you in whatever situation you’re in, or however many kids you have home with you!
Tip #1: Spend Time Outside
One of the best things for me to do during the summer is to get outside early before it gets too hot! Down here in Florida, our summers can be quite warm, but I still can usually find a bit of time in the morning for a quick walk! The act of getting outside of my office and being in nature can inspire and reinvigorate me!
With a little more sunlight during the day, I also love to spend warm summer nights out on the deck. Taking a family walk before bedtime is a great way for us to connect and wind down for the day too!
Tip #2: Spend Time on Personal Development
I love sitting down with a good book when I have some quiet time. My favorite books are ones that teach me something new and challenge the way I think about something. I not only enjoy the peace I get while I’m reading but also love being able to take away something that I can use in my daily life.
A few books I’ve read recently and love are:
Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life
Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story
Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts
After reading Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen I realized that I had the power to intentionally shape my life through my thoughts. Knowing that simple fact has allowed me to make positive changes in my life and business! Recognizing this makes me a better wife and mom, but also a better business owner.
Side note: I had a fangirl moment on a recent trip to the beach for our anniversary. I saw Jennie Allen sitting across from me at a restaurant and just HAD to say hi!!
Tip #3: Give Attention to Your Business
One thing I’ve learned as a small business owner is that like the year has seasons, so does my business! Some seasons are slow, while others seem like I can never have enough hours in the day. Living in Florida, our summers are hot and a little on the sweaty side, so photo sessions and weddings are fewer. I have friends in colder parts of the world that are their busiest in the summer (with their slow season being in the winter).
The slow summer season is a perfect opportunity for me to focus on areas of my business that don’t get as much attention during my busy times. It’s a time for me to look at my systems, workflows, website, and refine my client experience. All the things I don’t have time for when I’m shooting weddings every weekend I suddenly have time for! So I lean into that! Instead of sitting around and wondering why I have so few sessions on my calendar, I sit down and get to work on my business.
For those of you going into your busiest season of the year, shift your focus to the core of your business! If you’re a photographer, that means shooting and editing- the essentials! Put away your business to-do list and resist the urge to overwhelm yourself with extra tasks. Embrace your busy season knowing that when things slow down, you’ll get to that list.
Implementation
Making changes to our routine and schedule is not easy! I like to focus on making only one change at a time. It feels less overwhelming and I like being able to direct my attention to one habit instead of 10. If you’re anything like me, you’ve started a new season of your life with a long list of habits to change and find yourself overwhelmed. But as they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’!
Give yourself some grace and permission to focus on one change at a time. It won’t happen overnight, but you’ll notice yourself feeling more at peace and happier in your new routines!
What are some things you do when implementing a new routine? Tell me in the comments!
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