Summer Change of Pace: How to Streamline Your Systems and Work Smarter, Not Harder

Angela Rakis
Aug 8
2 min read

Move from guesswork to grounded decision-making

There’s something about August that feels different. The pace slows, the inbox quiets (a little), and we finally get a moment to catch our breath.

But if you’re like many business owners I work with, that quiet moment quickly fills up with nagging thoughts:

I really need to organize my lists and all that.
Why does it take me so long to do this task every week?
I know there’s a more efficient way to run this...

August is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make small but mighty changes to how your business runs. Not flashy rebrands or major pivots — just smart, streamlined tweaks that help you move with less friction.

Here’s where I recommend you start:

1. Audit Your Workflows

Where is your time actually going? Look at your calendar, task manager, or even your inbox. Identify 2–3 recurring tasks that:

Take longer than they should
Require you to reinvent the wheel every time
Could be outsourced, automated, or templatized

Pick just one to improve this month.

2. Simplify Your Marketing

Consistency matters more than complexity. If you’re overwhelmed by content calendars or showing up on every platform, pull back. Recommit to one format that feels sustainable and focus on clarity over quantity.

Ask yourself:

Who am I talking to?
What do they need to hear?
What do I want them to do next?

Simple questions, powerful results.

3. Build Breathing Room Into Your Week

This is the system most early-stage businesses forget: White space. Thinking time. Strategic reflection.

You won’t grow if you never step out of execution mode. Whether it’s a standing CEO Day or just one “no-meetings” morning a week, give yourself time to lead — not just do. For me, “Friday is Angela Day.” I’m working, but I avoid big client meetings. I prefer coffee meet ups or creative thinking time on Fridays.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If this has you nodding along, then you’re going to love what I’m sharing in my free webinar on August 21 — It Used to Work Now It’s in Our Way: Learn what it takes to level up your business in 2025. Thursday, August 21 at 3PM ET