For the past few years, I have been Mum to a school-aged child and wife to a teacher, so unsurprisingly, I am very tuned in to the phases of the school year. But even before that was in my life, I always saw September as a significant time in the year. A bit of a fresh start and an opportunity for reflection (kinda like January, but with better weather and fewer expectations).
With the new term on the horizon, I have been reflecting on the changes I want to make and the practices I want to reinforce. Some of these are very practical and others are focussed on my professional development.
For me the key areas are:
- Trying to get back into my work planning. I started 2022 with a very strong planning game, taking time to plan out my months, weeks and days. But the last couple of months I have let this slip a bit. I use this planner (affiliate link) and know it is such a good approach for me, so I am really keen to get it firmly back on my desk. This planner is fab because it isn’t dated which works so well for me as I work part time.
- I also started 2022 with some dedicated time in my diary each week for professional development such as listening to blogs and reading books/articles. I have also let this slip a bit and although it has still been happening, I haven’t been very intentional about it. So, my plan is to start holding that time again but to re-look at when in the week I do that, as an afternoon wasn’t really working for me.
- Finally, I want to get a bit more regular with writing blog articles and sharing emails. I often have the ideas for content but then struggle to find the time to turn those into a reality. Here’s looking forward to a more regular approach to this.
I hope you are having a good summer and if you are juggling family life and work, I hope that is working out for you. If you are thinking about the new term and realising your professional development needs a little overhaul or kick-start, why not sign up for my professional development health check. I will provide you with some audit documents to work through and we will then have a 45-minute, one-off coaching session to talk through your current situation, future goals and any hurdles that stand in the way. This is a great activity to do at any time of the year, but the new term feels like an extra special opportunity to really invest in your career and think about your next steps. The professional development health check costs £99. Email me to get booked in.
Wishing you all a brilliant start to the new term and I very much hope you are finding the time to invest in yourself and your professional development!
