This is Day 4 of my 30 day writing challenge and although I promised myself I would write only personal posts, I feel today’s topic is a little personal and a little professional. But I guess since I am an entrepreneur and my whole life revolves around my businesses and ventures, I can not really write purely personal posts!
Most of us have a hard time getting back into the groove after spending a long time away from the office. We wish the vacation could go on just a little bit longer. This daydreaming bleeds into our workday, sucking up motivation and energy (after all, daydreaming is hard work).
What we should be doing is jumping straight into our first workday back with both feet. But with our minds stuck in “holiday mode”, we’re liable to just drown in all the work. So how can we make a quick, effective transition from break to business?
Chat with Co-Workers
It may seem counter-intuitive, but a chat with your co-workers about the past holidays is a great way to flush the last bits of vacation out of your system. It acts as a release valve, letting you vent it out so you can move on with your life. Speaking with a co-worker also helps drive home the fact that you’re back in the office, and not at a reunion or a party.
A quick “work” question helps move the conversation to more productive circles. It also cuts off conversations that are getting a bit too long. Hey, some of us have things to do, you know? Just don’t be abrupt or rude about it.
Make a To-do List
You probably left a whole boatload of things behind when you left for vacation, but can only remember half of them. Listing them down helps jog your memory, and ordering them in priority helps you come up with a strategy that you can use to tackle your day.
If you really want to maximize your productivity, try generating this to-do list a day before going back to work. That way, you can hit the ground running the moment you get to your desk.
Read the Whole Email Trail
Long or complex projects are at their biggest risk when people come back from a break. A person’s mind is no longer focused on the task, and has probably lost track of where the project is and what needs to be done yet.
For these types of projects, it’s a good idea to read email trails from the beginning in order to get a better handle on where you left off. The same goes for any supporting documentation like logs, reports, etc.
Work Your Way Up
Diving right into a major project right after the break can be daunting. Your brain isn’t working at its peak, and you need some time to shift it back into the proper gears.
Start with smaller tasks first, whether or not they’re related to the big project. These “warm-up” exercises will help you get fully back into the work mindset and get your thoughts moving in the proper direction. This could be anything from answering emails, updating minor reports, or following up on a couple of easy clients. Who knows, this “percolation” might even set off some new ideas!
Do you have other tips to get back into the groove after a long holiday? Share them with us below!
