The City Manager’s 5-Step Guide to a Rejuvenating Weekend

As a city manager, you’re no stranger to the constant buzz of work-related thoughts. The nature of your role demands attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a commitment to your community that often extends beyond the typical 9-to-5. But what happens when this dedication starts to encroach on your personal time, leaving you mentally tethered to work even as the weekend arrives?

The challenge of “switching off” is real, and it’s one that many in leadership positions face. However, the ability to disconnect and recharge is crucial not only for your personal well-being but also for your effectiveness as a leader. This is where a simple yet powerful 5-minute exercise comes into play – a structured brain dump designed to help you transition from your professional responsibilities to your personal life.

The 5-Step Weekend Transition Exercise

Let’s break down this exercise into five key steps, each designed to address a specific aspect of your work-life balance:

1. Celebrate: What went well at work this week that you can celebrate?

Start by acknowledging your successes, no matter how small. Did you successfully navigate a challenging council meeting? Perhaps you implemented a new initiative that’s showing promising results? Or maybe you simply managed to clear your inbox before the weekend. Recognizing these achievements helps to end your work week on a positive note and reinforces a sense of accomplishment.

2. Acknowledge: What was frustrating or challenging?

It’s equally important to acknowledge the challenges you faced. Was there a project that hit an unexpected roadblock? A difficult conversation with a team member? By identifying these pain points, you’re not dwelling on them, but rather acknowledging their existence so you can address them constructively when you return to work.

3. Release: What do you need to let go of before the weekend?

This step is crucial for mental decluttering. Identify the work-related thoughts or concerns that you need to consciously set aside. Remember, letting go doesn’t mean forgetting; it means choosing not to actively worry about these issues during your personal time. This could be anything from a pending decision to a minor disagreement with a colleague.

4. Plan: What needs to be addressed on Monday?

Briefly outline your priorities for when you return to work. This step helps prevent the “Sunday scaries” by giving you a clear starting point for the next week. Keep this list concise – perhaps the top three tasks you need to tackle. The goal is to create a sense of control, not to bring your entire to-do list into the weekend.

5. Recharge: How will you intentionally refill your personal tank and invest in your loved ones this weekend?

Finally, shift your focus to the weekend ahead. How will you spend your time to recharge? This could involve quality time with family, pursuing a hobby, or simply allowing yourself some unstructured downtime. The key is to be intentional about it. Plan activities that genuinely rejuvenate you and strengthen your personal relationships.

The Benefits of This Practice

By taking just a few moments to reflect on these questions, you’re setting yourself up for a more balanced and fulfilling weekend. This practice offers several key benefits:

1. Improved Work-Life Balance: By clearly delineating between work and personal time, you’re reinforcing healthy boundaries.
2. Reduced Stress: Acknowledging and then consciously setting aside work concerns can significantly reduce mental stress and anxiety.
3. Increased Productivity: When you return to work, you’ll be more focused and energized, having given yourself proper time to recharge.
4. Enhanced Personal Relationships: By being more present during your personal time, you’re likely to see improvements in your relationships with family and friends.
5. Better Overall Well-being: Regular practice of this exercise can contribute to improved mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Implementing the Exercise

Try to make this exercise a regular part of your Friday routine. Set aside 5-10 minutes at the end of your workday to go through these steps. You might find it helpful to write down your responses, either in a journal or a digital note-taking app.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. Some weeks, you might find it challenging to identify successes or to let go of certain concerns. That’s okay. The value lies in the practice itself – in taking the time to reflect and consciously shift your mindset as you transition into your personal time.

A Call to Action

As leaders in your communities, your well-being has a ripple effect. When you’re well-rested and recharged, you’re better equipped to serve your city and inspire your team. So, I encourage you to give this exercise a try. Implement it this Friday and see how it impacts your weekend.

I’d love to hear about your experiences. How did this exercise affect your ability to disconnect from work? Did you notice any changes in your stress levels or your enjoyment of the weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments on our LinkedIn page. Let’s support each other in finding that crucial balance between our demanding roles and our personal lives.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s an essential part of being an effective leader. Here’s to more rejuvenating weekends and a healthier work-life balance for all of us in city management.

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Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.