How To Stay Focused During the Holidays

We are in the midst of the craziest time of the year. Between holiday celebrations and 2019 wrap-up reports, gift shopping and 2020 goal setting, it all can seem overwhelming and, at times, even unmanageable.

You’re not alone in this thinking. Everyone is busy during the holidays. We all have the same amount of time in the day, week, and month and so on. But, why is it that some people just get more done?

They focus.

Here are three ways to keep your focus during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

1. Plan ahead.

Create a to-do list for both work and personal tasks. When you’re at work, focus on your work. Likewise, when you’re at home, concentrate on checking off tasks on your personal list. 

The key is not to multitask. You can’t sit in on a conference call and shop online at the same time, that isn’t a productive or efficient use of your time. Attend to one project at a time and finish what you start.

2. Eliminate distractions.

Technology aids businesses in a lot of ways, but it can also be detrimental to your productivity. If you want to have a meaningful day at work, simply unplug. Turn off alerts on your phone and email. Choose two to three times throughout the day to check them, using that time to respond to any urgent messages. In addition, avoid social media. Only log in for business purposes.

3. Don’t over-commit.

We are constantly guilty of over-committing, especially during the holidays when there are countless parties and functions. Limit your engagements so you have time to focus on wrapping up your work and are able to actually enjoy the holidays.