Starting over after a setback can feel daunting, but it's also a time filled with possibilities and new beginnings. In fact, I’ve actually put these words on my water jug so I see them multiple times a day: Abundance, Possibilities, Feeling Good, and Prosperity. If you're finding yourself at the early stages of returning back to your online business, know that you're not alone. What I know to be true is being productive can be fleeting when you’re still dealing and/or healing from your setback. You may not be able to attain the level of productivity that you used to, and that’s okay. Today’s article is for you as you begin again.

One thing I am confident about is if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t typically happen. Learning how to work with your natural rhythms and creating a balanced schedule is a game-changer. In my free guide, From Setback to Comeback, I go through this in fine detail along with reflections and action steps to move you along. It’s all about finding what works best for you and taking one step at a time towards rebuilding your business and your life.

Let’s examine your schedule and calendar so that the amount of productivity you do obtain propels you forward in a noticeable way.

Time Blocking

⭐️ Finding Your Flow with Time Blocking

Getting back into the swing of things after a setback? It’s about staying true to your energy patterns, while pushing yourself a little more each day to get fully back in the flow of it. I’m a firm believer in time blocking. It’s a great way to set the framework for what you should be focusing on during the week. You don’t need to stay strict with the time blocks, but let them pull your focus into the important things for your business. Set specific blocks of time for activities throughout your week. If you’re just starting with time blocking, start with the basics of growing your business again, such as growing your list. If you’ve stayed in touch steadily, elevate your efforts through time blocking. Don’t forget to include some flexibility for downtime for healing and tackling any tough stuff that comes up. This way, you'll stay in the groove and feel excited about the possibilities ahead.

⭐️ Boosting Productivity By Matching The Season

Since you are part of nature, you will experience the ebbs and flows of your energy, just like the changing seasons. When setting your comeback calendar with time blocking, take into consideration your energy flows during this season. In Summer, you may have more energy first thing in the morning and enjoy a more relaxing afternoon. During winter, you might find your peak energy more towards the middle of the day. Keep in mind your most active periods of the day and set your peak activities during those times, and the lesser activities during your lower energy times. Try setting yourself up for success with the Pomodoro approach utilizing shorter work sprints combined with breaks. It will help you maintain focus, and break up the working periods for a brain break; a good time to drink your water, too.

⭐️ Making Room for White Space

When you create your comeback calendar make sure to create some white space in your schedule—those unstructured moments where you can rest, reflect, or just do something spontaneous. When you look at your time blocking calendar, it should not be full for every half hour of the day. There should be ample white space between time blocks and throughout the week. White space gives your well-being some breathing room, and reduces stress. I don’t like to have a completely full calendar anymore. Once upon a time, yes, but no longer. As you sync your schedule with your energy levels and the seasons, and create a framework for your schedule with time blocking in smaller chunks, you'll get more done and enjoy the process a whole lot more.

Bonus Tip: Create Your Comeback Schedule in Google Calendar

For a digital approach, set up your comeback schedule in a Google Calendar. Create a separate calendar just for this. It’s a fantastic way to see all your time blocks, smaller chunks, and white space at a glance. Adjust your work schedule to fit the seasons, plan early starts for summer, and slow things down in winter. Make sure to get outside and soak up some natural light to keep your spirits high. This way, you’ll manage your energy better and make your comeback smoother.

By using these tips, you’ll find it easier to manage your time, sync your energy with your tasks, and create a balanced schedule that boosts both your productivity and well-being.

From Setback to Comeback Guide

Grab your guide here 👇