Have you been thinking of packing it in for the remainder of the month and heading to the beach? Or at least wishing that were possible? Me, too.
Because of its heat and slow demeanor, I’ve often thought that the only good use of August is vacation. This year, I have a new perspective and motivation for this lackluster month. Some people say it’s all in the timing. (David Ives wrote an entire play celebrating this idea.) I think it’s actually all in the planning. With the minimal demands of August, use this time wisely to get yourself ready for a busy Fall that lies in wait just around the corner.
After Labor Day, people get back in the swing of things as we turn our attention to the homestretch of the year and possibly toward our plans for early next year. Though we may no longer be tied to a school calendar, the school year schedule is firmly cemented in our behavior. It’s a time for starting-up and to start strong, you need a plan of action.
Here are some ideas to make August as useful as possible:
1.) Make up a list of 5 people you’d like to work with. Take advantage of the back-to-school sales and buy some professional stationery that conveys your personality. You read that right – actual paper on which you will use a pen to create a hand-written note to each of these people. I am as big a fan of electronic communications as anyone but a hand-written card to your dream collaborators is a novel move that gets noticed. I’ve been doing this for years and it’s been an effective avenue for breaking the ice. Recently, I set up a very exciting connection that I’ll be telling you about in the next few weeks, all thanks to a hand-written note in which I enclosed my business card (also printed on paper.)
2.) Work on a fun project (or 2 or 3) for your portfolio. My friend and collaborator, Michael, is the Founder of Third Place Media. He has filled up his plate this month with fun projects that he enjoys, enhance his skills, and expand his portfolio. Quite an effective use of August time. I’m excited to see what September holds for him, and for the rest of us engaging in builds this summer.
3.) Rest and rejuvenate. What? Didn’t I just say August should be used to plan? I sure did, and that means making sure you are in tip-top shape for the Fall – mind, body, and spirit. And there are no shortage of ways to do this: read a book, learn something new, draw, paint, go for a run along the water on a sunny day, hang out with your pup in a beautiful park, whip up a new recipe thanks to all of the amazing produce now in season, got to an art show, listen to live music, see a play.
4.) Use this down time to seek out sources of inspiration and relaxation. The more relaxed and inspired you are, the more inspiring you’ll be to others and nothing attracts busy, helpful bees more than inspiring honey. Need ideas for inspiration. For ideas, see #3 above.
5.) Connect with old friends and make some new ones over tea, cocktails, or a meal at your favorite sidewalk cafe. Your network will take you everywhere you want to be.
Here’s to a productive August that makes for a successful Fall for all of us!
Christa Avampato 