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Mother Nature likes her routine. It’s autumn here in New England and arguably one of the most colorful times of the year. Mother Nature cycles through the same processes, in the same order, one season after the other, year after year. It’s a comfortable predictability in a world that is often wildly unpredictable.

Luckily, it is possible to tap into that natural cycle to bring our professional lives a greater sense of flow and order. As you read the following suggestions, keep in mind that we all have our own rhythms. What works for one person or business might not work for another. Take these ideas as ways to get you thinking. If a particular suggestion won’t work for you, there might be another seasonally inspired activity that will work.

Winter

Winter brings frigid air, frosted glass and, in some areas, mounds and mounds of snow. Many plants and some animals go into hibernation and prepare for their springtime rebirth. Winter sports and holidays distract us from the uncomfortable temperatures, loss of electricity, and drastic blasts of weather.

Here are a few business activities that align with winter:

• While you’re hunkered down indoors, take time to analyze your year-end numbers. What do they tell you about the choices you made this year? What could you have done better? What did you do well?
• You won’t be hibernating forever, so set your goals for the following year. What would you like your numbers to look like next winter and how will you make that happen?
• Consider what is “hibernating” in your work or personal life. Is it almost time for the dormant phase to end?

Spring

In spring, everything is bursting, green, and new. There is a feeling of expansion, birth, and rebirth. There’s a sense of renewal and reawakening. Seeds start to grow. The air seems fresher. In springtime, people get outside more, become reacquainted with their gardens, resume outdoor exercise routines, and peel off heavy clothing. People take on spring-cleaning projects and clear out clutter.

Business activities that align with spring:

• Plant your own seeds by designing one or two new products or services for your business. Give yourself lots of time for brainstorming and collaboration before honing your ideas.
• When you’re ready, create a detailed launch plan with action steps and a timeline.
• Ask yourself what other seeds you would like to sow, and what others are already starting to sprout.

Summer

In summer, the landscape is lush and colorful with fruits and flowers. The air is warm (hot and humid in New Hampshire in July) and growth is everywhere. Summertime brings opportunities for adventure and exploring with family and friends. Long days with sunshine give a feeling of abundance.

A few business activities for summer:

• Use the long days to tweak your systems and work out any bumps or bugs in your implementation process.
• If the time is right for your business, launch your new services or products.
• Complete other projects so that you can reap their rewards. Put finishing touches on any work you’ve been doing.
• Think about what you’re about to harvest. Are you ready for it? What else can you do to support your own abundance?

Fall

And we’re back to the season I am currently embracing as I look out my window and take in all the vibrancy. Fall offers golden, rich colors and crisp, cool air. There’s a feeling of transition and that “back to school” energy people never outgrow. A new school year keeps whole families busy. The harvest of fruit, vegetables, and pumpkins is in full swing.

A few business activities for fall:

• Harvest the bounty of your good work by fulfilling orders for your new products and services and collecting feedback from your customers and clients.
• Prepare for the winter and the end of the year by compiling your records.
• Consider your own harvest. Are you satisfied with its size and quality? What might you do to improve it for next year?

By tailoring what you do with the natural rhythms that allow, sustain, and renew all life on earth, you might just find that your business is likewise supported as it grows and prospers.

Kristine A. Hodsdon, RDH, BS
Director, RDH eVillage