Back to work. After a brilliant time away, the last couple of days have felt full on. A good reminder that even with a life-first philosophy, getting back to work can be a challenge.
Written by:
Justin Walton
Date:
May 29, 2025
Back to work. After a brilliant time away, the last couple of days have felt full on. A good reminder that even with a life-first philosophy, getting back to work can be a challenge.
That transition from holiday mode to full workload takes a little adjusting. This week didn’t hold back.
Much of my first day back was spent finalising the preparation for an event I’m leading for the local authority next week. It took longer than I expected (as these things always do), but I’m genuinely pleased with the end product. Hopefully the delegates will feel the same way.
Then came the financial side of life. It was a case of pulling together management accounts and VAT documentation so that our advisers can do their thing. That end of day feeling crept in which was a mix of pressure, tasks stacking up, and lots on the calendar for the coming fortnight. The usual post-holiday logjam. Thankfully, the day ended with some movement as I got back on the padel court. No surprises there.
Today brought a different pace. I delivered a mentoring session with a new mentee, which was energising. It was the kind of session where there’s plenty to explore and lots of potential. It reminded me how much I enjoy that kind of work where I am helping people join dots and navigate forward.
Later, I attended a networking event with a twist. It was with a group of experts coming together to tackle a live case study. It’s a great format. Everyone offers insights and perspectives, and you see just how varied (and valuable) those perspectives can be. There’s a real sense of collective intelligence in action.
I rounded off the day with a bit more work on preparations for the next Business Uncorked. It’s fast approaching now and I am looking forward to welcoming the next group.
I need to be kind to myself. I've had time away, recharged and feel good. I don't need to come out of the blocks at 100mph.
Please take my free ALIGN Scorecard to understand your alignment better. It is a structured self-assessment across six key pillars of life and leadership. It only takes five minutes to complete, and when you finish, you will be sent a personalised report that sets your baseline alignment.
Take the Scorecard here.
Justin Walton is an Executive and Financial Coach, and Consultant working in Essex and London. He writes regularly on financial well-being and brings his lived experience and professional expertise together to benefit clients and partners.
Don’t hold onto what is holding you back.
I offer a range of executive and financial coaching and consultancy solutions for business leaders and their teams and can tailor my services to help you meet your goals.
