How To Stay Productive During The Holidays

It’s almost 2015, and that’s all I can think of! The Holidays are finally among us with presents to buy, parties, hosting, traveling, and those far off New Year’s resolutions - it’s all too exciting. But, but, but, but, there are still work days in the week and the day-to-day tasks that have to happen, especially in the Inspherio office! Instead of letting your work day results suffer or that of your teams, refocus and concentrate on getting everything, from business to the holidays, done in time. If you are anything like me, these tips will help you through the next few weeks!

1. 1. Create Lists: I am a list-o-manic; it exists, I swear. Gather all the information and write down EVERYTHING you need to buy and do. Food to get, presents, wrapping paper, butter, everything, it will help. (Pro Tip: It would also help if you made separate lists of individual stores and list only everything you have to buy from there). 
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3. 2. Beat the Rush. Plan Ahead: At work, focus on work. When you are home, make your plans and schedules so you aren’t doing everything at the last minute. From Christmas to after New Years, schedule out shopping trips, holiday parties, etc, so that your business hours are devoted to actual business. 
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5. 3. Ask for Help: Yes! It’s the Holidays, it’s the time to lend a hand and ask for a hand. If you are finding yourself stressed and spending your work day thinking of everything that still needs to get done for that holiday soiree in 5 days, ask family or friends for help. 
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7. 4. Organize Your Work Day: Seriously, truly organize your work day. What HAS to happen by lunch or by the time you go home. Forget about what is a few days away in your social calendar and focus on your tasks and get to work! Morning is your most productive time, so get what’s most important done when you get in - maybe you’ll even find some time to make another Holiday list! (I’m telling you, they get addicting.) 
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9. 5. Avoid Distractions and Multitasking: As I say, “put on the blinders.” Don’t juggle personal and work-related tasks at the same time. Definitely don’t check your personal email for holiday cards or your social media to see how Tiffany from Yoga is already off and on vacation. Stay focused and in the zone. 
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11. 6. Speaking of Vacation, You’re Not on Yours Yet: I know that I get ahead of myself and start listing and packing for my New Years trip a week before Christmas, but I try to keep myself in check. Follow suit! You won’t have a vacation next year if you don’t do your work this year. 
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13. 7. Most Important, Remember What the Holidays are All About: It’s a time for family and love and a season of celebration. This should be the most joyful time of the year, so if you have to, take a deep breath, regroup, and realize what all of this is for. This time does not have to be chaotic - remember that. 

It can be tough to find that balance between work and life, and it only gets harder during the Holidays. Presents for the loved ones, cookies for the kiddos, it gets overwhelming but your job and your work tasks should be at the top of your list. Everyone shares a similar vacation schedule at the end of the year and it should be clear what needs to be accomplished before you go. So instead of working over vacation or spending Christmas Eve stuck in the office because you have projects to finish, finish the year strong! Give a gift to yourself of staying organized, focused, and you will get to enjoy your holiday season even more!

Any more tips on how you stay focused? Let me know!