How to Stay Focused at Work this Christmas Season!!Co-workers on Vacation, Kids home from School, Relatives in town, Christmas parties (planning, attending, and remembering), and much more, can reduce the focus and productivity of our office. Just the amount of sweets that are hovering around the office can keep people on a roller coaster of sugar highs and lows that can ruin anybody’s focus! Don’t fight it, plan for it. ! !

1. Create your to-do list and prioritize tasks. What MUST be done before the end of the year, and in what order. Write it down, share it with your team, set deadlines. Start working on these NOW so you’re not staying late Christmas Eve. !2. December 25 and January 1 are Holidays. Lets use the rest of the month like a normal work month. Stay focused and driven to bring our skills to the team like we do all year. Stay focused now, so we have no regrets as we end the year. What we do well this month, means less stress come January. Also, avoid taking care of personal things like on-line shopping at work. Focus on your goals while at work, so you can have the time and the peace of mind to enjoy the rest. !3. Plan early and communicate your expectations and schedule with the team. Share travel plans, vacation schedules, holiday events (parties, school plays, vendor luncheons, etc), so people can anticipate when you’ll be out. !4. Stay healthy. Eating or drinking too much holiday cheer takes your edge off during the day, decreases your energy level, and makes you frustrated come January when clothes feel to tight. Keep up with your exercise routine and get good sleep each night, so you can be Jolly at the office. !5. It’s okay to say NO. You don’t have to accept every meeting or luncheon request. Move some to January when you have more time, and enjoy the ons you can make. !6. Assess your results each day and week to make sure you stay on track. If you are struggling or having too much distraction, talk with the team and get support. !7. Take a few days off to shop, visit with family, and enjoy the fun of Christmas and New Years. When you do take time off, don’t take your work home. Enjoy time with those you love. You worked hard all year, and next will be here soon enough. Enjoy! !

! “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” from Renaissance Executive Forums Dallas