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I know you can already hear the jingles and this time things have been way more chaotic than usually around this time of the year. Working remotely, home schooling, hosting zoom dinners, that’s just too much! The pandemic has definitely done its part to put us off except for the fact that it allowed us all to be equally efficient professionals even in PJ’s.
It’s easy to lose sight of your goals when you are stuck in a whirlwind of uncertainty and mixed feelings. Dealing with the festive enthusiasm and a fervent attempt to cope with the ‘newnormal’ can be exhausting. Well, you are not alone and the good news is there’s a way out.
This time of the year truly tests my ability to stay focused and in balance. I have struggled with a habit of going on and off before I worked out ways to deal with it head-on.
Here are 5 things that helped me pull myself up, stay focused, make the most of the holiday season and head straight into the new year all decked up. Try these!
CREATE
First things first…create! Write down your short-term and long-term goals. While most would set their New year goals around this time, I haven’t been a firm believer in setting goals for the New Year since I have always prioritized action more than just gazing at a fancy vision board. Having said that I would still love for you to list them down because that brings clarity and like research believes people who vividly describe or picture their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish them. Voila!
Once you are done, don’t forget to jack it up with purpose and intention. Your goals won’t turn into accomplishments in vacuum. You need to act. Start taking tiny steps instead of just planning a giant leap that you will never take.
VISUALIZE
It is important to keep reminding yourself of the reason you began this journey. Constantly visualize your dreams. Your dreams are a blue print of the reality you aspire for.
Use this holiday season to share your vision with your near and dear ones. Giving social recognition to your goals and ambitions helps you take ownership of your dreams plus a double dose of dopamine to pursue it. It not only makes you accountable but gets you the much needed external support system to pull you through the busy holiday season. Acknowledge the support and involve family members and friends with household chores so that you can lessen the load before you are all exhausted.
BALANCE
It’s easy to treat everyday as a holiday amidst the enthusiasm and the ecstasy that surround the holiday season and the virtual work life (flexible work hours, working from the comfort of the home etc.) has from time to time pushed us to give in to the temptation & procrastinate. Thanks to the pandemic!
It is imperative to strike a balance between work and pleasure. Have a to-do list and set time for everything starting with your morning routine, working on your goal sheet, to holiday shopping. Plan and schedule each task.
Planning ensures you aren’t exhausted juggling several tasks during the holiday season and don’t miss out on things you love doing the most.It’s wise to schedule things when you have a plethora of things to wrap up.
DISCIPLINE
Self discipline is what you need the most this season. The pandemic has for sure upturned our personal and professional lives yet it has taught us a lot about making the most out of a crisis. Strong planning followed by strict execution. Each of the task you scheduled needs to be acted upon. Avoid putting things on the back burner because piled up work load can be pretty nasty to deal with during the holiday season. Set deadlines for each task including your shopping and meal prep. Ensure each task gets completed on time. I have a daily schedule and I run through it a night before. That keeps me on my toes and all set to reach the finish line on time the next day. It works. Try and see for yourself!
CONSISTENCY
I know… I know holidays are time to rejoice and have fun. Point taken! But here’s a small piece of advice that comes from my experience of managing the holiday season and land the New Year with zero guilt. Most of us often take guiltless long breaks during the holiday season that makes come back exasperating. Loads of piled up task while you are off touch and somewhat still immersed in the holiday hoopla. I’m sure you relate! Well…Well…before you surmise let me clarify that I am a firm believer in work-life balance however staying in touch always makes comeback less frustrating and gives you a sense of control. You kinda reboot faster! Dedicate days instead of everyday or even hours to review and assign tasks for the post holiday season.
Cut to chase, the holiday season got to be full of fun but amidst the merrymaking these actionable tips will help you keep track of your goals and get some remarkable success this New Year!
