Blog #003...Following the seasons to avoid burnout

Why working in sync with the seasons can be a great benchmark for setting goals

I like to think about the seasons as opportunities for reflection, renewal, growth and harvest. Aligning our goal-setting and personal development with the seasons, we can start to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Living more mindfully helps us know more about our own bodies, when we’re feeling stretched and when we’re reaching burn out. Living more cyclically following the seasons can help us naturally moderate our energy levels, so we take the time for renewal which is so important to avoid burn out.

Each season brings its own energy which helps to lay out the plan of action for that stage.

Winter, the nights are dark outside, its cold and home is like a cocoon waiting to envelope us, it can symbolise a period of rest and reflection. It's a time to hibernate, slow down, and recuperate from the year's efforts. Although the cocooning feels of winter can be tempting to switch off, it’s a great time to: -

- Reflect on the year: Take some time to look back on the goals you set. What have you achieved, and what lessons have you learned?

- Prepare for new beginnings:  Start thinking about the seeds you want to plant in the upcoming spring. What new projects or habits do you want to start?

- Set restful goals: Plan restorative activities you love that you don’t always have time to do, use winter to start a new routine

Spring, As the days slowly start to get longer and nature begins to awaken, the crisp chill in the air is alive and buzzy, life is starting to spring back into action, windows are thrown open and revitalising fresh air is there to energise us. The buzzy energy of Spring is an ideal time to start new projects.

- Plant your seeds: Begin working on the goals you planned during winter. This is the time to start new projects or habits that align with your long-term vision.

- Tend to your goals: Like a gardener tending to young shoots, dedicate time and effort to nurturing your new habits or projects. Monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments.

- Embrace optimism: The increasing daylight and warmer weather can boost your motivation. Use this natural energy to push forward with enthusiasm and optimism.

Summer is a period full of growth and abundance. The goals you planted in spring will begin to bear fruit, the days are long and sunny (hopefully) energy is high and progress is swift.

- Celebrate progress:  Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you've made. Reward yourself for the hard work and dedication.

- Maintain momentum: Continue to nurture your goals. Stay committed and consistent to ensure they fully develop.

- Enjoy the journey: Life is about balance. While pursuing your goals, make sure to enjoy the warmth and positivity of summer. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Autumn, as autumn arrives, it's time to harvest the fruits of your labour and prepare for the hibernating winter. Days start to get shorter time feels like it starts to slow, leaves shed from the trees in preparation to renew for next year.

- Assess achievements: Take stock of what you've accomplished. How did your goals turn out? What successes can you celebrate?

- Learn from experience:  Reflect on any unachieved goals. What went wrong, and how would you do something differently next time?

- Prepare for rest: Start slowing down and creating a plan for the restful period of winter. Consider what you'll need to recharge and how you'll approach the next cycle of growth.

By embracing the natural rhythms of the seasons, we can create a harmonious balance between action and rest, growth, and reflection. This cyclical approach to goal setting ensures that we take the time to celebrate the successes, reflect and define why somethings didn’t work out and readjust the goal for next year. Making this time helps to clear our minds and we can focus our goals on defined success. This maintains the energy and motivation to continue pursuing our dreams year after year.

The essence of the seasons can be broken down into quarter, ½ year & full year goals, the main point is ensuring there’s time for each season to analyse (autumn), plan (winter), plant (spring) and grow (summer).

Are there goals you have in mind for the coming seasons? I’d love to hear about them.

#goalsetting #womenslifecoach #findingpurpose #empowerment #lifecoaching

KAREN THOM EXECUTIVE LIFE COACH @ karen@thefoundationstudio.co.uk