Virginia WaltonIf you prefer the video version,https: //youtu.be/-4H8ShJY6MM
This week Hannukah and Advent started and with Thanksgiving past now we are completing into the Holiday season. I reference these two religious aspects because I think their meanings offer a great perspective regardless of your faith or belief system.
Hannukah celebrates the rededication of the temple and Advent is a season of preparation as well as the start of the new liturgical year in the Church. They both signify change!
We often do not think of the holiday season as a time of change and preparation, but we should.
We decorate, we shop, we clean, we bake, we cook all in preparation of a family gathering or celebration. Typically, we have several during the season between work, friends, community and family. We’re doing some of these things many times over. We are preparing.
Often the year end activities at work are related to preparing for the new year. Finalizing budgets, headcount needs, and setting goals are all about preparing for the new year.
Often the year end activities at work are related to preparing for the new year. Finalizing budgets, headcount needs, and setting goals are all about preparing for the new year.
There are four weeks left to 2021.
If you cringed when you read that, think about how long four weeks feels when it is the four weeks before your vacation. That feels like an eternity. So why does four weeks feel differently?
I hate to tell you this but 4 weeks is the same no matter what it is from. That is a lot of time.
It is 672 hours.
The difference is how you approach it.
If you are stressed out and freaking out about all the things you need to do, in a blink of the eye it will be half gone!
However, if you are viewing this as a time of anticipation and preparation, you can approach it calmly and use the time more wisely.
I am viewing the next four weeks as the prep for 2022. Yes, I have lots to do, but if I spend a few of those hours planning with my focus on the goals, I can use those hours more effectively.
Let me explain.
This week is a full week. Of course, I have my business demands which includes coaching clients, writing content, doing this live talk, posting on social media, marketing and managing finances.
In addition, I have to submit a grant application for a not for profit in my town, a field hockey league meeting to wrap up this year and start the planning for next fall, co-leading our town tree lighting Saturday, teaching religious education at Church and serving in two different capacities at two Masses Sunday plus other responsibilities I have weekly at Church.
Oh, and it’s the holidays so- shopping, decorating etc.
I am viewing the next four weeks as the prep for 2022. Yes, I have lots to do, but if I spend a few of those hours planning with my focus on the goals, I can use those hours more effectively.
Let me explain.
This week is a full week. Of course, I have my business demands which includes coaching clients, writing content, doing this live talk, posting on social media, marketing and managing finances.
In addition, I have to submit a grant application for a not for profit in my town, a field hockey league meeting to wrap up this year and start the planning for next fall, co-leading our town tree lighting Saturday, teaching religious education at Church and serving in two different capacities at two Masses Sunday plus other responsibilities I have weekly at Church.
Oh, and it’s the holidays so- shopping, decorating etc.
I shared my evening schedule for the week with a friend to which he responded, “That is too much!”
Did you think the same thing? Probably not, because if you’re my people your list is comparable!
I’m not stressed over it though. No!
I took time to plan the week. Did I schedule every minute? No.
Has the week gone exactly as I planned so far? No.
Have I stressed? Well, I had a few moments Monday- but when I felt it start, I took a deep breath and re-focused. Then I was able to produce quality work!
The key is to focus on the most important thing you need to get done now. Not the one you want to do, not the overwhelmingly long list.
Stop, pause and focus.
Let me put it another way that should be easier to remember.
If you going like your hair is on fire- stop, drop and roll! Just like you would if you were really on fire!!!
- Stop – I mean stop everything you are doing and be still.
- Drop– the crazy messages running through your mind. If it is not serving you or helping you- let it go!
- Roll- with the curve balls. Freaking out about them does not prevent them, does not move you forward and does not help you. Roll with it!
Do not spend the next four weeks on fire! Spend them prepping for an awesome 2022!