Let’s face it, as summer rolls around, it's easy for our attention to be pulled in different directions. Whether we have kids whose schedules we need to manage or simply the nostalgia of having time off to spend on our own terms, finding time to focus on work can be a challenge. The allure of sunny days, vacations, and activities outside the law firm can make it difficult to maintain the same level of productivity we have during other times of the year.
Yet, as you know, for attorneys, the work doesn't stop, and staying on top of tasks is crucial to ensure that client needs are met and cases continue to move forward.
There is no question that balancing the demands of work and the desire to enjoy summer can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Nothing is impossible for you with a little planning! With a few strategic adjustments and a focus on effective time management, you can navigate this season, and the entire year, not just smoothly but the way you want to.
Let's take a look at a few tips and tricks to make it just a little bit easier for you right now. But, don’t forget, this midpoint of the year is also a great time to reflect on your progress toward reaching your annual goals and updating your targets for the months ahead.
1. Prioritize your tasks. What are you working on? Is it what you should be working on? Take the time you need to focus on your task list to create your Prioritization Plan. You want to make sure that the work is getting done and that you are the one doing it, not delegating it. If you are wondering where to start, begin by identifying the most critical tasks you need to accomplish each day. Make your list, put your head down, and tackle the most important items first. This way, even if your day gets interrupted, the most crucial work will still get done.
2. Create a flexible schedule. Allow for interruptions, this can apply to any time of the year, but stick to your Prioritization Plan. Summertime often brings unexpected events and interruptions. In almost all situations, you do have the power to create a flexible schedule that accounts for these disruptions but it will also allow you to stay committed to reaching your goals. You may need to take it a step further and block off specific times for focused work, making adjustments as needed.
3. Take advantage of early mornings or late nights. When do you work best? For some of us starting your day with productive work is the right recipe, for the night owls it is the other way around. Regardless, undistracted quiet times can be the perfect time to get a head start on your tasks. You can use this time for deep work without the day's distractions. Try it for a few days and see for yourself that this can help you accomplish more and set a positive tone for the rest of the week.
4. Set boundaries. It’s hard right? There is no question that you need to set boundaries that clearly define work and personal time, but it can be one of the hardest things to adhere to consistently. It is essential, however, to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, especially during summer when the lines can easily blur. Over communicate your availability and your goals to your colleagues to your team to your family and show them it matters by being there, and being present, for them when you say you will.
5. Delegate and collaborate by sharing the load with your team. If you are blessed to have a team, let them help. Especially if you're feeling overwhelmed, you need to delegate the tasks you can to your team members. Effective collaboration, and this means collaboration that will finish a project and not give it back to you half-done, can help lighten the load and ensure work gets done efficiently. When you have a team, you want to grow to a space where you can trust your team to handle their responsibilities so you can focus on what requires only your attention.
6. Do take breaks and recharge. You need to allow yourself time to rest and rejuvenate.
You don’t want to forget to take regular breaks to recharge, even if it is only stepping outside to enjoy the summer weather and give yourself time to take a deep breath. It may surprise you to learn that short breaks can boost your productivity and keep you motivated throughout the day.
7. Don’t put off reflecting and planning for the rest of the year. If you focus on annual goals, now is the time to use this midpoint to check in on your goals. Summer is the perfect time to reflect on what you've accomplished so far and adjust the targets for the remainder of the year. Start by reflecting on what you want to achieve and create, or update, and your plan to get there. This will help you not only stay focused, but motivated as you move forward.
If you have questions about how to make this a reality, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a free 30 minute Strategy Session to discuss your unique goals and overall practice needs. We know that by following these tips and tricks, you can consistently get your work done during the summer while still enjoying your life. Stay focused, prioritize what matters, and take time to plan for the future. With a little effort and planning, you can make this summer both productive, profitable, and enjoyable.
