Are you ready for the fall?

Back to school photos rolling in while some are still on vacation? It can only mean one thing:

Pressure.

I mean fall, but really it’s the same.

My September calendar is filling fast, and the attempt at “normal” over-scheduling with a side of mask mandates is not good for my anxiety.

How are you holding up?

Specifically, what routines and activities are most serving you right now? In times of transition, doubling down on those usually is the best way to maintain grounded.

If it’s your weekday hot chocolate at 11am like it is for me, then cheers to both of us. For my fellow A students, you know I’m also walking or working out first thing and sitting up straight in my chair while typing. When all seems more complicated and overwhelming than I can handle, posture feels like just the kind of control I need. And making my bed, which I’m mostly doing as well.

Okay so this is a check-in to see how you are, so please please tell me. Comment here, hit reply to the newsletter hitting your inboxes shortly, DM me on social media. Supporting each other through change always helps and I’m doubling down on that too.

In fact, I have a special offer for mailing list subscribers to get us all through the fall more confidently — and while being kinder to ourselves — so make sure you sign up now to receive it too.

Now, how are you really, really?

What grade would you give yourself for 2019?

Last week amid the holiday and summer fun, we hit the midway point of 2019. Like the A-student I am, my first thought was: what grade would I get if this were the midterm review?

What grade would you give yourself?

If you’re not sure, consider how you started this year, and how you’ve grown personally and professionally so far.

Notice I didn’t say "list what you did” because that’s a slippery slope of judgment even if you’ve marked off a lot of to-do's already. Our lives are about learning, so look for that first.

Remember too that midterms give you plenty of time to re-engage with your goals and set new ones.

Along those lines, in this oldie but goodie post I walk through simple activities to help you take stock and plan ahead for the rest of the year. These are easy enough to fit in with the rest on your plate, vacation included.

Want to check-in with me live?

I’m opening up my calendar for 20-minute calls in July to review the year together, celebrate where you are, and keep you on track for what’s to come. Schedule yours here:

It’ll be fun!

I’m positive you deserve an A for effort. :)