Summertime: Unwind and Prepare

Aah, Summertime: longer sunny days, free time, and good time with friends. This is what makes summer so idyllic, living the way life is meant to be. Summer may prove to be a particular time for a professional to think about the next move precisely in this "liberated" state. It's a time when you can think uninterruptedly about the great victories you've had on a professional level—also, the somewhat disappointing experiences.

After a time of mental stress and exhaustion, many are inclined to surrender entirely to the summer and its delights. However, a professional must position himself as a combatant capable of staying alert while drinking water. This alertness is stimulated by having a clear view of which (learning) experiences can be given a good turn through self-development. Use your time as a strategic instrument to do both: unwind and prepare.

Take the time to look at situations objectively: state the facts; these can turn out to be to your disadvantage. Get over it, dear professional, and honestly determine in which areas you may have fallen short. Breathe in and out when you discover the truth about your behavior or responses. What is done is done; focus on the future.

Another point to consider is an honest view of your willingness to change. You don't have to change everything about yourself to please others. This freedom comes with (professional) consequences, but a professional like you can take it.

 However, if you've looked at the somewhat disappointing experiences and decided to work on yourself, you could do the following (with a glass of something special and a notepad):

• After you've determined a few points you want to work on, try to have a realistic point of view. Are they points with "strategic value," or will they help you to develop your character?

• It remains a truth: every habit must be practiced. Build yourself a unique why. An unique why will help you maintain your motivation (when the sun is shining). Think about the benefits the outcome will bring you. Remember you are preparing for the future while relaxing. Whatever you do, try to find ways to gain the tools to deal with the challenges that await you on the other side of summer. 

• While working on the future, don't forget to relax. Have I named the several (daily) naps that a mandatory? Don't cram as much of possible into every free moment; There is power in allowing yourself to be. Have a great summer! I'll be back in September: Unwind and Prepare.

Fall in love with taking care of Yourself: Mind-Body and Spirit.– Unknown.