A Seasonal Approach to Work

Mother Nature certainly likes her routine. Global warming aside, she cycles through the same processes, in the same order, doing things the same way they always have worked.

Within that cycle, of course, variations exist--a dry winter or a mild fall--but we always can rely on the rhythm. One season follows the other. It's a comfortable predictability in a world that often seems to be wildly unpredictable.

Luckily, it is possible to tap into that natural cycle, to bring into our professional lives a greater sense of flow and order.

As you read the suggestions below, keep in mind that we all have our own rhythms as well. What works for one person or business might not work for another. Take the ideas as ways to get you thinking. If a particular suggestion won’t work for you, is there another seasonally inspired activity that might?

Winter
Winter brings frigid air, frosted glass and, in some areas, a white blanket of snow. Many plants and some animals slip into hibernation and get ready for their springtime rebirth. Wintertime sports and holidays distract us from the sometimes uncomfortable temperatures and drastic blasts of weather.

Here are a few business activities that align with winter:

• While you're hunkered down indoors, take some time to analyze your year-end numbers--what do they tell you about the choices you made this year? What could you have done better? What did you do well?

• You won’t be hibernating forever, so set your goals for the following year--what would you like your numbers to look like next winter, and how will you make that happen?

• Consider what is "hibernating" in your work or personal life. Is it almost time for a dormant phase to end?

Spring
In spring, everything is glistening, green and new. There is a feeling of expansion, birth or rebirth. There's a sense of renewal and reawakening. Seeds start to grow. In springtime, people start to get outside more, becoming reacquainted with their gardens. We take on spring-cleaning projects and clear out clutter.

A few business activities that align with spring:

• Plant your own seeds by designing one or two new products or services for your business. Give yourself lots of time for brainstorming and collaboration before honing your ideas.

• When you're ready, create a detailed launch plan with action steps and a timeline.

• Ask yourself what other seeds you would like to sow--and what others already are starting to sprout.

Summer
In summer, the landscape is lush and colorful with fruits and flowers. The air is warm and growth is everywhere. Summertime lends opportunities for family adventures and exploring. Long days lend a feeling of abundance.

A few business activities for summer:

• Use the longer days to tweak your systems and work out any bumps or bugs in your implementation process.

• If the timing is right for your business, launch your new services or products.

• Complete other projects so that you can reap their rewards. Put finishing touches on work you've been doing.

• Think about what you're about to harvest. Are you ready for it? What else can you do to support your own abundance?

Fall
The fall offers us golden rich colors and crisp, cool air. There's a feeling of transition and that "back to school" energy we never outgrow. A new school year keeps whole families busy. The harvest of fruit and vegetables is in full swing.

A few business activities for fall:

• Harvest the bounty of your good work, by fulfilling orders for your new products and services and collecting feedback from your customers and clients.

• Prepare for the winter and the end of the year by compiling your records.

• Consider your own harvest. Are you satisfied with its size and quality? What might you do to improve it for next year?

By tailoring some of what you do to the natural rhythms that allow, sustain and renew all life on earth, you might just find that your business is likewise supported, as it grows and prospers.

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