Winter Boundaries + Spring Systems

Takeaways from a season of hibernation

Photo by Alexandru Tudorache on Unsplash

Back in January, I wrote that winter was going to be a season of transition and planning for me. I made a conscious choice not to do too much implementation and just focus on what’s in front of me.

Growing up in Florida, I didn’t really experience seasonal weather. It typically went from hot to hotter to tolerable to surprisingly nice back to hot again.

I’ve lived in North Carolina for seven years, and it’s helped me appreciate the subtle shift of seasons. Over the last few months, I’ve gotten into the habit of taking an hour-long walk every day, which has given me a front row seat to the welcoming of Spring.

I’ve started to see more gardeners in their front yards. Blossoms on the trees. Dandelions. Kids playing tea party on the lawn. The neighborhood parks are full. People are reading on their balconies and going for walks with friends. I take turns exclaiming, "It’s so nice out today!” with strangers at the nail salon or grocery store.

People seem energized. I, too, can’t help but feel a newfound boost of energy every time I step outside.

Nearly a week after the Spring Equinox, I feel myself craving the structure I lacked in the winter months. Today, I sat down and made a list of all the things I noticed, boundaries I began to put into place, and what I hope for this new season ahead.

❄️ Boundaries I set/explored in the winter months

• I bought a work phone. Before, I was using a business line app that I could use from my personal phone with a separate phone number, but I wanted to take it a step further. I deleted all of my work apps (Slack, Voxer, work emails, project management tools) from my personal phone and now they’re only accessible on my work phone. I’m looking forward to putting some more thought into this particular boundary. Will probably do a post on it in the coming months!

• I structured my weeks/days a whole lot less. I used to do “theme” days and time blocks for email, but I did away with those things during Q1. I wanted to see how it felt without them, if there was anything I noticed myself wanting/needing in its place, or if I missed any of the systems I’d put in place last year. I also started taking Monday mornings to myself.

• I decided to discontinue my paid Substack membership. You can read more about that decision here.

• I left Instagram and LinkedIn. Like, deleted my business and personal accounts completely.

• I cancelled meetings and took days off when I needed to, even when it was uncomfortable. And guess what? Everything was fine/no one got mad.

• I thought about the type of business I want to have. Thanks to the support of Amanda Laird, who has talked me off of several solopreneur ledges over the last 6 months.

• I said “no” to potential projects and client work that didn’t align with my capacity, wants, or needs. Instead, I referred them to other amazing ops people who may be a better fit.

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🌸 Things I’m building/exploring this Spring

• A private newsletter for fellow admin/ops people who are working for themselves. A simple way for us to connect, share resources, and have each other's backs. If you’re interested in joining us, fill out this interest form. I'm putting together a small crew to start (just 10 max, and we’re already halfway there).

• Recalibrating my weekly/daily schedule. Reintegrating things that have worked for me in the past and trying out some new things since my client load has expanded. Also, I’m feeling even more strongly that I am not meant to work in the morning. I noticed over the last few months that I am most productive between 7 and 9pm! Also trying to find ways of creating more structure around when I do and don’t work (which is where the work phone comes in).

• Google Workspace alternatives. I’m considering moving over to Proton for various reasons. I’m also taking inventory of how I use AI in my business.

• Business model and marketing stuff. Thanks to Amanda I have a 90-day strategy roadmap to implement!

• Systems for nourishment. I recently discovered

  Jenn Lueke
  ’s eat goood newsletter and have been stretching my cooking muscles trying out some of her recipes! I had breakfast AND lunch every day this week (which is huge for me) because of two simple recipes — and one day of Chipotle, tbh lol.

As with everything I do, I’m trying to keep a compassionate lens on my goals. January-March were really rough and, honestly, I felt like I hadn’t done much of what I wanted to do. But look at how much I was able to accomplish! Some of the things were small, but they’re all part of a bigger picture. You don’t have to change everything all at once.

What are you most looking forward to in this next season?

Peace, love and workflows,

Andrea