Emily Seamone Consulting, www.womenworklife.com ES CONSULTING IDEAL WEEK EXERCISE *This exercise helps you to identify themes and patterns of what you would like to have as part of your ideal week, particularly if you would like to incorporate some type of flexibility into your work. It is helpful to first complete the Life Values and Priorities exercise first before moving on to this one. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out. Put aside any fears, worries, or thoughts about things you have to do today or this week. Also, put aside any tendency to immediately think about what work you or cannot do or what is realistic. Give yourself time to focus on yourself and dream, which you probably rarely do. If we cross possibilities off too early in the process of brainstorming, we may miss important clues. 1. First, imagine that you have the most perfect flexible work arrangement that works for you and your current life situation. It is like you have a new life. Think about your reasons for wanting a flexible work arrangement and the benefits that you have been reaping. Imagine yourself enjoying these benefits. As a result, you might have more time to attend to your life values that you have identified. You feel more balanced than ever before. You are serene, have boundless energy, and feel happier than ever before. Take a minute to imagine what that ideal flexible work arrangement is. 2. Now it is Sunday evening, and you are planning your week with your ideal flexible work arrangement. Imagine doing tasks and projects this week that only energize and excite you. What are these projects/tasks? What would be your perfect week? Imagine both work and personal tasks, particularly those that are in your top ten values. As you imagine, give yourself permission to dream. Do not worry if your ideal week is unrealistic or doesn’t include the “must do’s” of life, like doing laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc. Try not to censor your thoughts…just let them come and go. You are allowing yourself to design your perfect week. 3. Open your eyes and write down what came to your mind – what would be your perfect flexible work arrangement and what would you be doing during your perfect week? If not much came to mind, that is OK. You may want to try this exercise again later, when you might have a different experience. But for now, write down even what little visions did come to mind. 4. Reviewing what you wrote down, let’s focus on your work-related activities. What were these activities or tasks? Were they done at home or in an office somewhere or a coffee shop? What would be the ideal set up for you? What hours would be ideal for you each week (remember not to worry about what is realistic yet). 1 Emily Seamone Consulting, www.womenworklife.com 5. Now it is time to pull all of these ideals together to create your Ideal Week Vision: My ideal week would involve___________________________ (work tasks), which I would do from home/from an office/or a mix. I would work a total of____________hours. In my free time outside of work, I would do______________________________________. 6. Once you have your Ideal Week Vision written down, you can now bring in reality: a. How much do I need to make each week? b. Does this job exist? What would it entail? Can I create it? Don’t immediately give up on your Ideal Week Vision, deciding it is impossible. Spend some time exploring and researching possibilities. Discuss your thoughts with those who are part of your life. Brainstorm with others and try to get as creative as possible. You may not be able to replicate your exact Ideal Week Vision at this time, but perhaps you can get close to it or at least start taking steps toward it. 2