I’ve noticed there are four different seasons of my work life. Just like spring, summer, fall, and winter, my work life tends to have its own cycles with different weather in each. I believe understanding that work comes in cycles has its own benefit. But I also believe there are unique opportunities presented in each season. We just have to take hold of them.
1. Unmotivation
Unfortunately, many people never leave this season. But I do believe it’s possible. You just have to take hold of the opportunity of coming up with new ideas to get out of this season.
Acknowledge something has to change and start innovating. Either come up with a new project or improve your processes. You won’t be motivated to do this for the fun of it. But the desire to leave this place should be able to drive you into the next season.
2. Chaos
The chaos season is good, but it’s crazy. Motivation starts creeping back in because of the new things. But it’s crazy because now you’re juggling those new ideas.
This is when you have the opportunity of scaling down to only the most effective things. It’s also the opportunity to settle into the routine and excel at the new things you’re doing. Respond well and things will calm down. This is just an adjustment period.
3. Motivation
This is the sweet spot. You’ve found your rhythm. Everything seems easy. You love what you’re working on. Unfortunately, rest is coming.
4. Rest
Rest is good. The vacation is good. But I find that the next period after rest is unmotivation.
You need to take the rest. Do it. And you need to turn off your brain. It’s necessary to turn off your brain and reset yourself. This time will give you the perspective to come up with the new ideas you’ll need to develop in the unmotivation season.
Learn to lean into the seasons and you can take advantage of their opportunities. When you respond well, it doesn’t just have to be starting over each time the cycle begins again. I believe you can make forward progress, even when your work life seems cyclical.
