When you own a business, especially one where you can totally work remotely when you choose to, there are days when it is difficult to get motivated. Today is one of those days.
Between losing an hour of sleep this weekend because of Daylight Saving Time and a very fun but very tiring weekend that included a client book launch, a best friend’s bachelorette party and wedding, Concrete Beach Brewery’s amazing Miami Gras event and my husband almost breaking his foot – I am ill prepared for Monday.
That being said, being that I was at events all weekend, I was off the computer, and that led to a large number of emails and tasks that need to get done. My team is amazing when I am off site and out of office but Monday morning brain kicked in with a panic early this morning, despite the fact that I need a day off. So, what do you do when you don’t want to do anything.
1. If you can, work from home for the day. Today for instance, I would be useless around people and distracted (or distracting). Know thyself and if you need to be in the office around people to get productive, do it, but self care begins at home and so home is where I shall be.
2. Get dressed. I REALLY wanted to stay in pajamas, wrapped in my bathrobe, but I am a firm believer that you should get dressed on the daily in order to be more productive (except Sundays, those don’t count). Plus if you do nothing else – you’re dressed. Bonus points if you hop in a shower too (no shame if you don’t – sometimes getting dressed is enough).
3. Don’t look at your emails yet. Instead of adding to the to do list with tasks that come through email, get a couple of things accomplished on your current to do list first. Instant calm. Without the distraction of email I bet you can get through more items, in a shorter amount of time.
4. THEN look at emails – and see what you can put on the to do list for tomorrow vs. what has to be done today. If it has a fast answer or deadline, just do it quickly, but if it considers deep thought – see where you’re at. Today is NOT my day for deep thought. I will think tomorrow. Today is just a day to do things until I can nap and get my brain back, and I don’t feel bad about that. I am a business owner but I am also a human and so are .you.
5. Inform people you are out of office. I am checking email, I am doing some work, but as far as people-ing today I am out of office. I put vacation mode on email on Friday and it will come off tomorrow despite the fact that I am online today. I really believe in taking the time to do a job right and not rushing back into it when I am not at my best. By informing clients I am out and giving them alternate team members to reach, everyone is taken care of and I am able to take care of myself. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
6. Get outside. I plan on getting outside today, and you should too. Nature is ridiculously inspiring and healing. 20 minutes outside every day (when weather permits), disconnected, WITH YOUR PHONE AWAY, will change your outlook on life and may even get you motivated to get back to work and change the world.
What do YOU do on days when you don’t feel like doing anything?
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