Why Spring Is the Right Time to Reset Your Time and Priorities
It’s the season of rebirth and refunds. As we move through spring, barreling toward another busy summer, what should you be doing to nurture growth and maximize productivity in your business and life?
The period right after tax season is a natural time to think about reinvesting in yourself.
After all, about two-thirds of Americans got a tax refund this year.
(If you’re in the other third and owed the IRS this year, sorry! But stick with me – there’s a point here that’s related to good time management and productivity for summer, and it’s applicable to everyone.)
Having a nice chunk of change land in your bank account makes you think about what you’re going to do with it, which naturally forces you to think about your priorities. Money and time are two of your biggest resources, and how you use them always reflects your priorities.
This Spring, Can You Invest More of Your Resources in Yourself?
This year, only about 10% of people told Experian they planned to invest their tax refund money.
I’d argue that most people will actually use at least some of their money to invest in themselves in ways that have nothing to do with stocks.
Most people who receive tax refunds move money into savings or pay down some debt. Either decision is an investment in your future financial security. That might be what feels right to you.
Or, you might spend some of that refund. Research shows that people spend more on electronics, travel, and restaurants in the weeks after receiving a refund. Some of those purchases might be frivolous (gadgets you’ll never use), but spending your refund money can also be about reinvesting in yourself. You might decide it’s finally time to upgrade an old laptop that slows you down, or that you can splurge on a relaxing weekend away and actually recharge.
Even if you owed the IRS this year, adopt a reinvestment mindset as we move through the rest of spring. Pour your resources into nourishing and refueling yourself so you’re ready to show up as your best self every day this summer. That’s how you’re going to maximize productivity, stay in control of your time, grow your business, and enjoy your summer on the personal side.
How to Reinvest in Yourself in Practical, Doable Ways
How can you reinvest in yourself in ways that are aligned with your values and goals?
You’re busy with the day to day work of managing your life. Your resources might feel stretched. And still, carving out time and money to pour back into yourself is ultimately going to fuel you to move forward with purpose and momentum.
What does “reinvesting in myself” look like? These are just a few simple, doable strategies that might work for you.
- Learn a new skill. It could be anything from learning to make pottery to learning to make a podcast. Don’t get bogged down in thinking about “productive” skills that translate to your business. Learning something new just because it interests you is an act of self care.
- Expand a current skill. Everyone has skills they can deepen and expand. Maybe you want to get better at navigating Excel. Become more comfortable with public speaking. Improve your time management strategies. Master the most complicated recipe in your favorite cookbook.
- Take care of your physical self. Prioritizing your physical health, whatever that looks like for you, prolongs your time and quality of life. If you’ve been meaning to start that marathon training or change the way you eat, now’s the time.
- Develop a daily reading routine. Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes once a day, a daily reading practice can diminish stress, improve cognition, and spark your imagination. It’s a chance to retreat from work and life and engage with something you enjoy.
- Take a retreat. Wouldn’t it be lovely to spend a week in a hotel, with every day free to use however you’d like? Not feasible, but lovely. Could you take a weekend for a retreat, though? Even 24 hours could be long enough to help you recharge.
Taking a retreat is less about your physical space and more about your state of mind. This time should be devoid of household tasks, errands, work, and other responsibilities. It’s unstructured time you can use to make creative projects, read, do yoga, hike, or anything else that fuels you. You can even plan a retreat in your own home, assuming you can have the place to yourself for a day and you won’t be tempted to clean instead of relax. Gather with friends or spend the time alone. - Break a habit that’s not serving you. As a time management coach, procrastination is one of things my clients often need help with. Saying yes to anyone who asks for something might be another habit that steals your time. Focus on one habit you’d like to break starting now, then connect with resources that can help you with strategies and support to make that change.
3 Things to Do Now To Help You Meet Your Summer Goals
- Identify your most important goals for this summer. Specifically, home in on three to five goals you’d like to accomplish this summer. Then choose the one or two most important ones to focus on first.
- Look ahead at your summer calendar. Put the big rocks (travel dates, appointments, deadlines, kids’ camp dates) in place. Get a sense of what this summer’s rhythms are going to look like. What are the busiest weeks/days of the week/times of the day going to be? Looking at the summer as one large block of time lets you strategize about allocating your overall resources. July’s going to be especially busy? Plan to devote more time to your summer goals in June so you can focus on other things in July.
- Schedule dedicated time in May, June, July, and August to build out your calendar for the month ahead. Give yourself some dedicated time to plan goal-related work for the month ahead. Get those times blocked now before your summer calendar fills up.
Don’t Let Time Management Problems Keep You From Enjoying a Productive Summer.
If you’re constantly struggling with time management and productivity, are you ready to invest in improving those skills? You can still join Time Matters Boot Camp! This 90-day virtual boot camp starts on May 18, just in time to help you meet your summer goals. This is the last session I’d run until September, so reach out now if you are curious!
Also, if you’re a business based in Massachusetts, you might qualify for support from the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program!
Be well,
Sarah
FAQ
Q: Why is spring a good time to focus on productivity and time management?
A: Spring naturally signals a reset. Coming out of tax season and heading into summer, it’s a practical moment to reassess priorities, organize your schedule, and make intentional decisions about how you spend your time and energy before your calendar fills up.
Q: What does it mean to reinvest in yourself?
A: Reinvesting in yourself means using your time, money, and energy to support your long-term growth and well-being. This can include learning new skills, improving your health, refining your routines, or creating space for rest so you can show up more effectively in your work and life.
Q: How can I reinvest in myself without spending a lot of money?
A: You don’t need a large budget. Start with:
- A daily 10-minute reading habit
- Blocking time for focused work
- Practicing saying no to low-priority commitments
- Taking a low-cost personal retreat at home
These actions build momentum without adding financial pressure.
Q: What are simple ways to improve productivity before summer?
A: Focus on a few key actions:
- Identify 3 to 5 meaningful goals
- Map out your summer calendar in advance
- Schedule monthly planning sessions
- Protect time for high-priority work
This creates structure before things get busy.
Q: How do I stop procrastinating and manage my time better?
A: Start by identifying one habit that’s holding you back. Then:
- Break tasks into smaller steps
- Set clear time blocks for focused work
- Reduce distractions during those blocks
- Follow through consistently
Change happens through repetition, not intensity.
Q: How can I balance productivity and rest during a busy season?
A: Productivity isn’t about constant output. It’s about sustainability. Build in recovery time intentionally, whether that’s a weekend retreat, daily reading, or time away from work. Rest supports better focus and decision-making when you return.
- Reinvesting in Yourself: Simple Strategies to Fuel Growth and Productivity Before Summer - April 23, 2026
- Could You Get More Done This Spring With a Positive Time Mindset? - March 20, 2026
- Planting the Seeds for an Abundant (and Productive) Spring - February 18, 2026
