Vacation Vow: Make a new habit

From Coach Kristen:

I've been away for 2 weeks on vacation to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday. It was nice to have a reunion; I hadn't seen my brother or his family for 3 years. When I returned home to "normal", I realized there was a new normal. I had lost two weeks on my calendar (to a nice resort in St. Pete Beach, I might add), the weather has changed slightly, school is in full swing, the kids are in their warmer clothes and fall classes at the local YMCA started. So we jumped right back into a hurried pace with new schedules and new habits.

Vacations serve as a forced break from our routines. They (should) allow us to walk away from our day-to-day focus on work, home, and other obligations. We get out of the routine, so it would be a great time to begin a new normal when we return.

What new "habits" would you like to begin after your next vacation?

Personal:

• Lifestyle changes
• Exercise routine
• Budget restrictions or allowances
• Diet
• Relationships

Professional:

• Educational opportunity
• Additional training
• Re-evaluation of goals and priorities
• Boundaries for time and emotional investment
• New schedule

It takes 30 + days to form a new habit. Why not start after a nice break?

We would welcome your comments or questions on this or any topic relating to your job. Email Kristen@teamatworkcoaching.com

Friday Funny: The Hazards of Working from Home

From Coach Kristen (a day early)

I get the freedom to work from home most days. It is both a joy and a challenge. Here are some of the pitfalls of having a "desk" at the kitchen table.

• Spending the entire day in pajamas

Now for some folks, this is a dream. There is a point in the day when you realize it's closer to bedtime than breakfast; why bother changing your clothes now? The problem comes when this is every day...

• The 24 hour work day

I find when I work from home, my day doesn't end. So long as the laptop is on the table and running, I'm at work. During breakfast, before and after lunch, pausing for diaper changes, after dinner; I'm constantly working.

• Children screaming in the background as you're trying to make a phone call

You've prepped them ahead of time. "Mommy needs to make an important phone call. You guys need to go to your room and play quietly for a few minutes, okay? You MUST be quiet as church mice!!" They nod, wide-eyed and full of innocence. Two minutes into your conversation, there is a blood-curdling scream from down the hall. Then another. Then the sounds of banging. Now, there are two children screaming. Then, the person on the other line says, "Are you working from home?" What do you say to that?

These are just a few hazards. I'd love to hear about yours! Send your questions, comments and suggestions for future topics to kristen@teamatworkcoaching.com