As the days get shorter and school schedules settle in, fall can feel like a season of constant adjustment. The shift in daylight, changing routines, and family responsibilities can drain energy and focus. Even for the most motivated employees. If you’ve noticed yourself feeling a little sluggish this time of year, you’re not alone. Many people experience a natural dip in motivation during the fall.
The good news? With a few intentional strategies, you can stay organized, keep your energy up, and finish the year strong.
Fall Desk Clean-Up & Organization
A fresh season calls for a fresh workspace. Clear out the clutter, file away summer notes, and reset your desk with your current priorities front and center. Even a quick 15-minute clean-up can help you feel more focused.
If your workplace allows, brighten your space with a little fall décor or a personal touch—like a small plant, a new mug, or even a cozy lamp. Creating a space that feels positive and personal makes it easier to stay motivated.
While getting organized, don’t forget fall is the perfect time to check in on the goals you set earlier in the year. Which ones are still important? What new priorities have emerged? Setting short-term goals for the remainder of the year helps you stay on track as 2025 winds down.
3 Motivation Hacks for Darker Days
- Time-Blocking with Daylight in Mind
Our energy naturally shifts with the daylight. Try scheduling your most focus-heavy work during peak daylight hours. For example, if you’re more creative in the mornings, talk with your manager about reserving that time for focused work and leaving meetings for the afternoon. - Micro-Motivation Goals
Big projects can feel overwhelming, especially when energy is low. Break them down into “tiny wins” you can accomplish each day. Checking off small milestones helps keep momentum going. - Momentum Ritual
Struggling with the darker mornings or evenings? Build in a short, energizing ritual. Take a five-minute stretch break, listen to an upbeat playlist, or go for a quick walk. These small bursts of energy can reset your mood and help you push through dips.
Balance Work and Life During Back-to-School Season
Fall often means juggling work with school events, sports schedules, and family responsibilities. Here are a few strategies to make that balance easier:
- Shared Calendar Hack: Use one digital calendar to track both work and family commitments, reducing mental clutter.
- Buffer Zones: Plan a short “transition ritual” between work and evening activities—whether it’s a walk, an audiobook, or journaling—to help you recharge.
- Flex When Possible: Use small breaks strategically for school errands, meal prep, or even a quick self-care moment. It can reduce stress later in the day.
For more tips, check out our recent posts:
- Back-to-School Season for Your Career: How to Use Transferable Skills to Pivot Successfully
- Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
Motivation naturally ebbs and flows—it’s normal. What matters is creating habits and systems that help you stay steady, even when your energy dips. Start small. Try one or two of these ideas each week and see what makes the biggest difference for you.
And most importantly: give yourself (and your coworkers) grace. Fall is a tough transition time for all ages, but we can make it easier when we support each other.
Let our team at Westphal Staffing help you chart the course for your next career move. Whether you’re looking for guidance on interview preparation or seeking your next leadership opportunity, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call or text us today at (715) 845-5569!