I write this post as we head towards the school summer holidays and many parents (and non- parents) will be taking various breaks. I also write this with our prediction in mind of what should be quite a busy September to December in the recruitment market. 

I personally will be using the summer to have a break (Latitude Festival, Cambridge visit and a holiday in Anglesey) and also I have a target to complete some admin on my Coaching qualification and to write an SQL course. 

With this in mind, what can you do to be in good shape for when things pick up in September?  I have created my 4 R’s to maybe help give you some ideas and structure: 

1. Rest

I naturally put this first as it is definitely the priority during any break. Once you are rested you are then more able to follow the other R’s on the list. The mix I am going for in our first trip this summer is 4 days at Latitude festival and then a week mainly in Suffolk and then Cambridge (To break up the journey back to the Northwest). 

2. Reflect

You can either do this yourself or perhaps you could get a coach to help you (see our coaching area for more information). I have done a lot of reflecting in my Journaling and this is all about giving yourself space and thinking about what has gone well for you and what has not gone well for you. What elements of your role do you enjoy and what do you not enjoy? Before you jump ship from your current role think about whether there are areas of your current role that you can improve. 

3. Renew Your CV

I have never met anyone who enjoys writing a CV. It can be an arduous task, and something that will always slip down your priorities. It is however a very important thing to do and even if you do not intend to move roles, it is worth refreshing and updating your CV as you go along (and as the last year’s achievements are fresh in your mind). Check out our How To Guide on CV writing for more information and tips. 

4. Review and Revise Your Targets

So now you have done the first 3 R’s what do you want to achieve going forwards? Can you give yourself some SMART goals regarding what you want to achieve going forwards: 

• S – Specific Be accurate on the description of what you are looking to achieve.
• M – Measurable How will you measure the success of the goal?
• A – Achievable I find this the most important – make sue whatever you do and whenever you want to achieve it by is achievable – even break it down into smaller goals if it is too big.
• R – Relevant What is the benefit of the objective and why does it matter to you. Does it fit with your wider plan and will it complement your other interests and responsibilities.
• T – Timely Give yourself a deadline by which you achieve the goal.

Also think about how you want to organise and document your goals. For me I will add them to my Microsoft Teams ‘To Do’ App and will use that to set reminders and deadlines and priorities so I do things in the right order and by the right timescales (remember you can always review these). 

And if you have read to here I wish you a great summer break – recharge and re-motivate! 

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