Rethinking admin: Small fixes that make a big difference

August has a strange rhythm. Some days are quiet. Others are unexpectedly full. Projects are delayed, then suddenly urgent.

Adding to the fun: school holidays, family visits, last-minute getaways, the juggling act of work and childcare, and that general feeling that everyone’s schedule is slightly off.

Even if you’re technically working, it’s rarely at full focus. And before you know it, it’s the end of the month.

So if you had grand plans to “finally get organised” this month but haven’t quite done that yet – same here.

But here’s the good news: there’s still time.

Not for a full admin overhaul. Just a few simple things that can make September less chaotic and more intentional.

1. Clear what’s in your way

No, not your inbox. Just the things crowding your day-to-day view: 

• Remove files from your desktop

• File stray notes and reference documents

• Archive the projects you’ve already delivered

You’re not trying to be perfectly organised. You’re just clearing space to see what’s actually on your plate.

2. Notice what’s not working

Take 10 minutes and think about the last couple of months: 

• Which projects left you feeling drained or frustrated?

• Where did expectations get unclear?

• Did you say yes when you didn’t want to?

Don’t overanalyse. Just notice. Then make one small change – a clearer email template, a new question to ask during briefing, a line in your proposal that sets better boundaries.

3. Decide what you won’t do again

Bad patterns are easy to carry into a new season just because they’re familiar.

So ask yourself: 

• What kinds of tasks or projects do I want to do less of this autumn?

• What wasn’t worth the time or effort?

• Where did I stretch too far for too little in return?

Write it down. Say it out loud. Adjust your filters now, before the Q4 rush starts.

4. Fix one annoying system

 You probably know what it is already: 

• The quote template you rewrite every time

• The intake form that doesn’t ask the right questions

• The file-naming chaos that slows you down 

Pick one. Spend 30 minutes. Make it less annoying. That’s it.

5. Build in breathing room

Whether September comes in with a bang or a slow build, a bit of margin can go a long way. Either way, it helps to have some breathing room built in.

• Block one or two half-days in your calendar now

• Set clearer lead times for new requests

• Draft a “currently at capacity” reply for those moments when everything hits at once

You don’t need to prepare for everything. Just protect your ability to focus when it counts.

6. Decide how you want to work – before others decide for you

 Take a step back and ask: What kind of work do I want to do more of? What kind of freelancer do I want to be seen as?

Then look at whether your current setup – services, pricing, communication, boundaries – actually supports that.

If not, make a small shift. One that moves you closer to the work you want.

You don’t need a full reset. You don’t need a perfectly organised system.

But any quieter stretch – whether it’s August, the start of a new quarter, or simply a calm week between projects – is a good time to clear a bit of space, make a few smart decisions, and set yourself up to handle the busy months ahead with more clarity and control.

You don’t need to reorganise your entire business. You just need to make one or two intentional changes that make next month easier.

That’s it. No pressure. No perfect plan. Just a nudge in the right direction.

And honestly? That applies to every month in the calendar.