October 2021 Planning Tips: Treat Yourself to Planning Ahead
Welcome to October, the last full working month of 2021! No, it’s not an early Halloween trick. November and December, plump with parties and cozy Crock Pots, have only about six workweeks combined. And even if you personally plan on working away while the weather starts to change, your clients and colleagues may have other plans that don’t include responding to your urgent email.
No matter which camp you fall into, it’s important to take on October in a way that sets you up for success. Even with blurred boundaries and the never-ending work emergencies, it’s possible to create healthier habits and succinct systems that will make everything just a touch more trouble-free… and that, my friends, is quite the treat.
Here are some ways that you can manage your schedule in October to prepare for any possible holiday delays:
Look ahead at what you’ve got on your plate for the rest of Q4, and see what can realistically get done that will leave you feeling satisfied with your year. If you can’t complete a project that you hoped for, can you set a goal to accomplish part of it, and leave yourself breadcrumbs to pick up in January?
If you’ll be out of the office for an extended period of time, take some time in the days (or weeks) leading up to that to see what you can get done in advance and what you’ll need to be covered. That way, when the day before vacation rolls around, you won’t be scrambling to get coverage, but rather taking the time to clock out with more ease.
Alternatively, be proactive about what you might need to take on when covering for others. Be sure to set boundaries, and balance your own personal workload so you don’t overwhelm yourself by offering up too much of your time, energy, and attention.
If you’re looking for a place to lay all of your plans out for the rest of 2021 and all of 2022, with the unparalleled education and community to support you, then you need to get the Momentum app. Get organized and put all of your personal and professional plans in one place, because those holiday gifts aren’t going to shop for themselves.
Be sure to join us for our next Monthly Momentum Call (MMC) on Monday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT. Charlie and Angela host this fun and informative 75-minute chat, answering questions about prioritizing projects, setting up your schedule, and more. Feel free to hop in with a question or simply listen to what the rest of the PF Community is up to. We hope to see you on October 11!