“One of the things we desperately need is a spiritual renewal in this country. We need a spiritual revival in America.” ~ Billy Graham

With the passing of Easter and Passover and the chapter on busy season soon closed, we each have an opportunity to start fresh and focus our energies on renewing our body, mind and spirit for the important tasks that lie ahead.  

 

The concept of renewal is not only a religious or spiritual idea, but is also an organic one, born out of nature.  Spring is the ultimate teacher on renewal, and we have the privilege of learning from it each year.  With the unfurling of new baby leaves, the emergence of the tulips and daffodils and the return of warm weather (at least for those of us who live on the tundra), our spirits are lifted and we can begin to imagine all of the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead.

 

So, what are the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead for you?  Consider these post-busy season renewal activities to help you recharge your batteries, rev up your motivation engine and heal any emotional “injuries” you’ve incurred in the “battle” of busy season so that you can see and seize the possibilities in your future:

 

•        Get some rest – really!  Take a few days off and really rest.  Sleep in, take naps, schedule a massage and take a genuine break from the phone, e-mail, your Blackberry or iPhone.  Consider taking a “no day” where you say no to everything and stay home and do nothing but rest.  Obviously, this takes planning and ensuring that your responsibilities at work are covered, but real rest will help you recharge and do wonders for your outlook and sense of well-being.

•        Imagine all of the fun you’re going to have in the coming months (and then start having it). On the personal side, it may be golf, swimming, tennis, gardening, biking or a family vacation.  The list of possible fun activities is endless!  I look forward to building and tending my flower gardens (I’m sure this will be my best flower year ever!), hanging out more with my children once they’re out of school, and I await the outdoor running season with great enthusiasm, too.  What is your list of personal fun “to do’s”?  Football hero Tony Dorsett said, “to succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.”  Imagining (and then doing) your list of fun things can help motivate, inspire and renew you so that you can refocus your energies and come back to your work stronger and more apt to succeed.

•        Contemplate your disappointments and upsets and then get over them.  Forgive yourself for any “less than” performance you’ve had recently and ask forgiveness of anyone who may have been impacted by your mistakes, grouchy behavior or other misdeeds.  Let go of grudges and jump on those important “clean up” conversations that need to be had.  Approach those who disappointed you with honest, collaborative conflict conversations (we have two articles on resolving conflict management: Managing Conflict Successfully - If Not Cheerfully! Article 1 of 2 and Managing Conflict Successfully - If Not Cheerfully! Article 2 of 2) and then forgive them their trespasses so you can move on, too.  “Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom” according to Hannah Arendt.  You’re paying an emotional (and unnecessary) price for nursing your wounds, and you’ll be shocked by how much more energy you’ll have when you resolve them. 

 

When you’ve rested, played (or planned for play) and forgiven, you’ll be ready to generate your list of exciting professional possibilities.  Spring and summer are the seasons of proactivity in public accounting and IT – the time when you can develop and implement new strategies for success. Possibilities in your work life may include reorganizing your office, retooling your team, re-engaging with your partners, reconnecting with clients or realizing growth through an increase in networking, referral marketing and other business development activities.  Whatever your proactive possibilities may be, write them down and establish by-when dates for each to ensure that you are able to enthusiastically make hay while the sun shines.

 

So, what are your immediate plans after busy season?  What do you do to recharge and renew?  What proactive professional activities do you envision for this spring and summer?  Please share your plans and ideas so that others can benefit!

 

Gratefully,

 

Jennifer Wilson