3 things you should do this summer
Is it me, or does it feel like time has simultaneously slowed down and sped up? Either way, summer will be here before we know it. And as you’re saying goodbye to a challenging spring and even tougher school year, here are the three things you should consider doing with your summer break.
mEASURE
Summer is the perfect time to do a quick audit of what is working (and what isn’t) by doing a deep dive into your outreach analytics from the year. With the intention of identifying what your audiences are responding to, as well as what they aren’t, take time to log what has worked and what hasn’t. An easy way to do this is to determine your most and least popular posts on social media. Boot up a simple spreadsheet with columns for:
the post type (video, image, photos, etc.),
audience (parents, staff, etc.),
day and time of posting,
content subject matter, and;
any feedback you can glean (likes, impressions, comments etc.)
Once you’ve got your spreadsheet laid out, start to look for patterns. Taking a moment to reflect on your best (and worst) performing content will help you improve your work, and put your time and energy where it is needed most.
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Tools:
Twitter Account Activity Analytics (Article)
View Account Insights on Instagram (Article)
How to use Analytics on your website (Article)
rEFLECT AND SAY NO
Ask yourself what you’re working on or where your time goes that isn’t providing a return on that time investment. I’ve really been inspired lately by the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown because it challenged me to focus on one main priority and dedicate my energy there. I often find that when I feel pulled in too many directions, it’s because I’m not focused on the things that are my highest and best use. Ask yourself: What can you stop doing? What doesn’t fit into your priorities that you can say no to? What are you doing that doesn’t align with your values? Then make a plan to…stop doing them.
Tools:
Essentialism by Greg McKeown (Book)
The TED Talk version of the book (TED Talk)
Boundaries with Brene Brown (YouTube)
Your Burnout Is Unique. Your Recovery Will Be, Too. (Article)
rECOVER
If you’re reading this email you’re “our” people - you’re a tireless advocate for kids, and that means you’re spending your energy doing hard work, every day. You’ve also lived and worked during a global pandemic, and you’ve been carrying so much stress. This summer, it’s time for you to recover. But wait! Before you head off to nap, I want to take a moment to encourage you to rest in the most meaningful way for you possible. (Yes, even in my resting, I really love efficiency.) I’ve been learning a lot about our neurological stress cycle responses, and I encourage you to be thoughtful about how you spend your time off - for example, movement is likely to be more recharging than bingeing a TV show.
Tools:
Complete the Stress Cycle Response (Podcast)
Recharging So We Can Reimagine Our World (Forthright Blog)
What is Yoga Nidra? (Article) + Insight Timer (App)
This summer, use reflection as a way to recharge. It’s the only way we can keep doing this important work together!
