Do you get distracted simply by the thought that soon you will be gathering around a table with family and friends? Or is the idea of the roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy that you will soon be enjoying keeping you from being productive?
Is your aunt, sister, or nephew calling or texting you at work asking when you will be arriving or if you will be able to make your famous apple pie? Or are visions of sugar plums and simply the excitement (or drudgery) of the holiday season making it difficult for you to focus and keep on track at work?
You are not alone. We’re quickly approaching the holiday season, and as we try to juggle parties, shopping, hosting, planning, traveling, and work, there’s a good chance the momentum will slow down in the office.
Many people lose focus during the holiday season because their task list swells while time shrinks. Travel planning, decorating, gift shopping, children’s events, parties, and so on must be crammed into already-full schedules, which can cause stress. Personal stress like this often affects work performance and can diminish productivity.
Here are five ways to stay motivated and finish the year strong
- Take a few days off. Taking a few days off of work to accomplish some of your personal “to-do” items is a great way to help yourself get into the holiday spirit while also getting things under control in your personal life to enjoy the holidays. When your personal life is under control, you won’t feel overwhelmed and distracted at work.
- Keep a daily “to-do” list and prioritize it. A daily “to-do” list is crucial for staying organized, focused, and on task at work. Prioritizing your “to-do” list helps to ensure important deadlines are met and forces you to work mindfully versus just going through the motions.
- Set deadlines, timeframes, and/or goals for yourself. When you start a new task, ask yourself, “How long should this take me?” Allot that amount of time, and if you finish the task on time, reward yourself with a short break. This strategy can help you create healthy habits and strengthen your time management and productivity skills.
- Don’t multi-task. Do one thing at a time, do it right, and do it from start to finish. Focusing all your attention on one task at a time will help ensure the work is done entirely and correctly without errors. This way, you don’t have to “backtrack.”
- Give your phone a rest! Accepting calls or texts from friends/family during work hours disrupts your workflow and is a distraction. According to studies, it takes 23 minutes to get back on track after a distraction. While you’re at work, it’s essential to focus on work. If Aunt Martha calls to discuss plans for the weekend’s get-together, send her to voicemail. Let everyone know your time at work is valuable, and make sure they respect that. Reserve time during your lunch (or the short breaks you reward yourself with) for such calls, texts, and planning.
The holiday season doesn’t have to throw off your productivity. Whether taking time to handle personal errands, sticking to a well-structured to-do list, or putting your phone on “do not disturb,” these habits will help you manage your workload while enjoying the season’s festivities. Embrace these practical tips to stay energized, focused, and driven to end the year on a high note!
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