Spring is officially here! And with the weather warming up and the sun setting later, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy each day just a little longer. For those who get the cold and dim winters, spring may feel like you have finally reached the end of the tunnel and are no longer living in a cave. For those who enjoy the sun year round, spring may just feel like a typical Tuesday. Either way, it’s a breath a fresh air for all and a great time to take advantage of the infamous routine of spring cleaning.

Normally, people know spring cleaning as a yearly commitment. You’re throwing out the bad, the never-been-used and cleaning up the dirt and grime to feel rejuvenated, organized and squeaky clean. But spring cleaning can mean more than just saying farewell to the messy house or untidy closets. Everyone should add a new meaning to the spring cleaning routine and spring clean themselves.

This concept may sound a little odd, but I believe it truly is important. During the winter months, it’s easy to get into a funk. The work days can feel longer and with the end of a year rolling into the beginning of a new one, it’s easy to feel bogged down with responsibility. Tax season begins, you’re trying to get a jumpstart on your work and you’re probably reviewing different areas that you hope to improve. It can be a lot all at once. So I challenge you to do the following:

• Sift out people who aren’t helping you grow.  Most likely there are some contacts in your phone or customers that you no longer find purpose for. Delete, delete, delete. And don’t feel ashamed!  Time can change things and whether it’s professional or personal you’re allowed to disconnect. And if you think re-connecting is the way to go, then by all means pick up the phone and get back in touch.
• Follow- up with your New Year’s Resolution.  Maybe some of your goals have fizzled out or have hopped off track. Re-visit the goals and reel them back in. Although we are four months into the year, there are none more months to get plenty accomplished. And if you’re not the type to have a New Year’s Resolution, go ahead and create a spring time resolution.  It’s never too late to work on your goals.
• Take some time off!  I can understand a lot of people may not have the luxury of a vacation. But it doesn’t have to be over the top. It can be an extended weekend getaway or a family trip to an amusement park. Put your out of office on and live your life. Work is great, and obviously required for survival. But you shouldn’t live to work; you should work to live. The emails will be there when you return, and if anyone is human they will understand your absence. So get out of the office, and enjoy!