Wishing All of December Were a Holiday

What’s really good People?

It is now officially WINTER here in the DMV and I am already looking forward to SPRING (NWO!). I love EVERYTHING winter except I guess the winter part. I get to throw on my Bill Cosby sweaters, wear all my winter coats & jackets, put on my butter Timberland boots, rock all of my skully & fitteds, etc… I mean what is there not to like? Well how many of you enjoy trying to get out of bed and leaving your nicely heated homes to enter the cold on your way to WORK in the mornings? Speaking of winter, let’s get into this week’s post.

Ok people; let me get focused… 

How many of you all have already seen people using their office time cyber shopping online? Seen a co-worker take a mysterious lunch break and not return until closing time? Better yet, how many of you all don’t ever see your colleagues in the office typically the Monday after Thanksgiving until the New Year? There is always one of these people we all know too well; I just hope it is not one of you all.

Studies and research have proven that people are typically most UNPRODUCTIVE during the holiday season due to a number of factors.  With all of the holiday food, partying with co-workers, impromptu small talk about gifts, there is just too many distractions for an employee to get his/her work done.  I was telling someone the other that that the entire month of December would BEST served if it were made a holiday month on the Calendar. I think it would do more good than one can imagine SERIOUSLY.  I mean the brain is forever working so why not give it a month long sabbatical or siesta from all the GRINDING we put it through. Just looking at all the food and alcohol consumed around the holidays indicates to me that people have longed checked out from their work responsibilities and are ready for a party.

And then you have these poor souls… A small percentage of folks filled with sadness, loneliness, and even depression around the holiday season.  Rather than celebrating with loved ones, these people are always gloom with common symptoms of headaches, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, easily agitated and lack the ability to concentrate. (Wait a minute; this sounds more and more like YOURS TRULY…)

So don’t you think a month long break to re-energize and gather one’s faculties would prove MORE beneficial rather than carrying on that same old cynicism and defeatist attitude into a new year? I came across some helpful tips for staying on top of things during the Holiday Season courtesy of http:www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-to-stay-productive-during-the-winter-holidays.html

·        Beat the Rush: To remain productive at work it’s important to make plans and schedule while you are home to do this in time without delaying until the last moment. In this way you will not be stressed before Xmas

·        Organize your work & Get Things Done: Once you get to the office, forget about Xmas and organize your work. Schedule your task and start working.

·        Deal with Important Tasks First: Morning is the most productive part of the day for most of us, so it’s better to get the most important tasks done in this part of the day. Doing this you might get some free minutes for daydreaming about the holidays in the afternoon (but don’t be too obvious).

·        Be Consistent in Your Work: If you start falling behind, don’t give up! Take a 5 minute break and start over with new energy and fresh ideas.

·        Think about the consequences: It’s not a nice approach but this might motivate you. Like everything else, we have to find a balance between work and Xmas preparations. Managers will not accept unfinished projects no matter how badly you need to go buy gifts for your family and friends.

Always Have a Plan…