This Magic Monday, we share four steps to avoid losing yourself in the end-of-the-year chaos.
We’re entering the last week of November, and the end-of-year anticipation is building. During this busy season, it can be hard not to get caught up in the chaos of everything happening all at once. And it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
One benefit to this time of year is that, to some degree, the level of activity is predictable – we know the chaos is coming. And, similar to natural disaster planning, if you know what to do ahead of time, reacting quickly and with purpose becomes easier. There are a few steps you can start taking today to set yourself up for success in advance:
1. Stop and make a plan now.
It may seem counterintuitive but resist the temptation to jump in and start working immediately. Know where you’re going ahead of time. Write down objectives and goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-sensitive (SMART).
2. Proactively decrease the potential for future stress.
Do you have clients that have a habit of last-minute planning or have a long decision-making process? Contact them now and get ahead before it becomes an issue later.
3. Take care of yourself.
Plan breaks and moments to destress in advance. What this looks like may differ depending on your personality and how you operate best (think DiSC!), but the key is to know what you need and plan for it.
4. Take the time to teach others.
Don’t try to do it all yourself! If you need to remove a task from your plate so you can focus on something else, take the time to train someone else today, so you don’t have to worry about it tomorrow. Trust me, it will be worth it.
5. Trust yourself.
Lay the groundwork now and if it gets hectic down the line, adjust as necessary. But trust the plans you’ve made. You know what you need to succeed.
Whatever that busy period looks like for you, make sure to carve out some time this week to plan for it in advance. Your future self will thank you.