Meteorologists in the UK define Autumn as arriving on September 1st, yet if you go by what is dictated by the astronomical season and the Autumn equinox then this year, Autumn will begin on September 23rd. All that can sound rather confusing but personally I anticipate with excitement all throughout the year for September 1st to arrive because for me, Autumn has finally arrived. I tend to live by the meteorological calendar simply because I much prefer the cooler weather.
Autumn is often a time for reflection for many professionals. Statistics show that more people apply for new jobs in Autumn than any other time of year and more jobs are being advertised as this is the ideal time for professionals to evaluate their life. The slightly more relaxed attitude that we tend to have throughout the warmer months gradually disappears, energy levels drop, annual leave has often been used up and holidays are just a memory. Not unlike children starting a new term at school, we sit behind our desks and begin to realise that it is time for months of hard work to begin once again until the Christmas break.
As the days shorten and get colder and darker, some people tend to fall into a lower mood and become less motivated. In the busy and noisy world in which we live, it is often too easy to become overwhelmed and to overlook the valuable lessons that nature offers, so in this article I will share some simple yet quite profound analogies that may hold valuable insights.
So, exactly how can nature help us see the bigger picture and get things into perspective? Well, just like squirrels diligently gather and hide nuts for the colder season, working professionals need to do the same with their finances - careful spending and knowing exactly what is coming in and what is going out. Saving and planning for the future is a crucial aspect of financial stability and by setting aside some income for a rainy day, you can be assured of a safety net to fall back on for unexpected outgoings or expenditures.
Of course, not everyone is in a position to save but by managing your money well, prioritising what is important, assessing what you have and what you expect to earn each month and without wasting money then you can ensure enough is available to get you through.
Deciduous trees begin a remarkable process eac Autumn when they shed their leaves and this natural cycle allows valuable energy and resources to be conserved for the following months, culminating in bigger and better growth than before. In a similar way, professionals should assess their working life and let go of anything that may be holding them back or that they no longer need. This can include unnecessary expenses, burdens and unwanted responsibilities, commitments, possessions, unhealthy friendships, attitudes or even the job itself. This frees up your mental and physical energy so that they can be allocated elsewhere, leading to a simpler, less restrictive and more financially efficient life.
With the arrival of Autumn comes months of unpredictable, typically British weather. One day it can be mild and pleasant and the next can take you by surprise with torrential rain! However, as the months progress, you can be almost certain of rain, wind, frost and ice and the occasional snowfall or storm. However, just as nature adapts itself and anticipates the weather conditions, working professionals can draw strength from their resilience to endure challenging times at work. When faced with adversity, it is essential to stay steadfast, adapt to the circumstances and navigate through in a forward direction, pausing whenever you need to. Just as storms eventually pass, difficult periods in a working environment can often be paving the way for something much better which will serve to enhance your growth. Your unique ability to weather a professional storm will ultimately make you much stronger and a more capable professional who can lead by example and experience.
Nature offers a treasure trove of wisdom and by observing and embracing these natural lessons, you can achieve greater financial and mental wellbeing and lead a more balanced, fulfilling and cosy working life!