As the long, sun-soaked (and somewhat windy) days of the summer break draw to a close, the return to work can feel like slipping into a pair of stiff leather shoes you haven’t worn in months. They pinch, they rub, and they remind you of why you traded them for sandals in the first place. The back-to-work blues often bring the same discomfort: the transition from carefree to structured, from leisure to deadlines. But just like breaking in those shoes, easing into work mode is a process that, with the right approach, can be smoother and even rewarding.
The First Steps Are Always the Hardest
Think back to the first day of wearing those leather shoes. The stiffness is unbearable, the pressure points seem relentless, and every step feels like a chore. Similarly, the first days back at work can feel overwhelming—emails to catch up on, meetings to reschedule, and the mental shift from beach mode to productivity.
The key is to take it one step at a time. Start with the essentials: prioritise your tasks, organise your workspace, and ease into your routine. Don’t try to sprint from day one; a steady pace will help you adjust without burning out.
Polish Your Perspective
A pair of leather shoes, once broken in, can become a favourite—comfortable, reliable, and stylish. The same goes for work. It’s easy to focus on the discomfort, but take a moment to reflect on what you enjoy about your job. Is it the collaboration with your team? The sense of accomplishment after completing a project? The opportunities for growth and learning?
Reframing your mindset can help you rediscover the value in your work. If you struggle to find positives, consider setting new goals or taking on a fresh challenge to reignite your passion.
Build in Comfort Zones
When breaking in leather shoes, adding a soft insole or wearing them with cushioned socks can ease the process. Similarly, creating comfort zones at work can help you transition smoothly. Start your day with a favorite routine, such as a good cup of coffee or a few minutes of quiet reflection. Schedule breaks to recharge and make time for activities that energise you, like catching up with colleagues or tackling a task you enjoy.
Embrace the Process
Breaking in shoes takes time, and so does adjusting back to work. But with each passing day, you’ll find the pinch lessens, and the routine starts to feel more natural. Recognise that transitions are challenging, and give yourself grace as you adapt.
In no time, those leather shoes—and your work life—will feel comfortable again. And while the memory of summer may still linger, you’ll find yourself walking confidently into the new season, ready to take on what lies ahead.
Final Thoughts
Returning to work after a summer holiday is rarely seamless, but with patience and a positive mindset, the back-to-work blues can transform into a time of growth and rediscovery. Like breaking in leather shoes, the initial discomfort gives way to something familiar and even enjoyable—if you allow it. So, lace up, step forward, and embrace the journey ahead.
Do you have some road blocks or impasses that need addressing? Are you wanting to get clearer on your goals for 2025?
Hit me up for a coffee and a chat right here and we can work out if I may be able to support your mission in 2025!