Season Of Stress? EOY Deadlines vs Family
It’s that time of year again. The office is buzzing, deadlines are looming, and your to-do list feels never-ending. Between finalising contracts, wrapping up client matters, and closing the books, it can seem impossible to even think about preparing for the holidays.
You’re not alone. Many high-performing professionals hit a wall at this point, juggling the pressure of work with the pressure of promising a spectacular Holiday Season at home.
However, with a few small and effective tweaks, you can lighten the load and finish the year strong—without burning out.
Here are 3 easy-to-implement strategies that have worked for some clients and could work for you too:
Work-Life Separation
I'm usually a huge advocate for integration between work and personal life in an attempt to avoid resistance but December is a magical month and things work differently.
Nothing causes more stress than constantly switching between work and family responsibilities when you're in the opposite environment.
When you're at work, be at work. Set your phone to receive emergency calls only and aside from that, put it away. Focus on what needs to get done and give yourself (less) time to achieve it.
Less? Yes. Use Parkinson's Law to your advantage by allocating less time to tasks you know you can achieve quicker. Set your boundaries and leave work when you're supposed to leave.
If you're leaving late, you're not being effective. Step up, be better at your job and model leaving on time for your peers, not later.
And when you're home, be at home, with the family and don't think about work. Reverse the same equation above.
The Most Important Thing (TMIT)
December is an overly busy month so plan accordingly. What are the 4-5 non-negotiables that must be done?
Schedule when they need to be done by.
Plan steps to achieve them.
Take action
This goes for both personal and professional considerations.
Focus only on what really matters this month. Close the big deals, content those important clients and gift your presence and self to your family.
Freedom First
If you are determined not to stress and let it all get on top of you, you must put yourself first, before your work and even your family.
If you're not in top form (mentally, physically, emotionally), how will your performance be in other areas?
Ensure you are practising your Champion's morning routine to set yourself up for success and protect your evening wind down time to guarantee deep, restorative sleep to wake the next morning even stronger.
Additional mindful practices around your hydration, nutrition and exercise should also be considered.
Do it your way. The point is, be your strongest version of you for the toughest time of the year.
Final Thought
The end of the year doesn’t have to mean the end of your energy.
By making small adjustments, you can meet deadlines, serve clients, and prepare for the holidays without costing you anything.
What’s one micro-tweak you’ll start with?
Win the week ahead,
Stefano