18 Feb 2008 04:01:19 | Lorraine Pirihi
Let’s make sure that this year you are really prepared for the
Xmas onslaught. It’s an interesting time...extremely stressful
for many people. There’s the pressure to complete projects, plan
for 2002 and so many extra invitations. On top of that you
probably have to decide on gifts and Xmas cards for your
clients, suppliers, friends, family and anyone else you can
think of.
And how about that long awaited and very much needed holiday you
have to book? I bet you’ve been looking forward to leaving home
for a few days/weeks along with the rest of Australia. Come to
think of it, maybe it would be easier and less stressful to stay
home and relax.
If you get started now with your preparations you’ll breeze
through the next few weeks with minimal stress.
Getting Organised for The Silly Season
#1 What Have You Achieved This Year?
Take stock. Did you reach your goals this year?
What will you do differently next year? Write out a list of
where you are now and what you want to achieve by Xmas 2002. How
will you do that? Have a list of personal and business goals.
Write a completion date next to each goal. (See How to Keep Your
New Year’s Resolutions Vol.3.18 for further details on
goalsetting).
#2 Plan and Organise Your Training for 2002
What skills do you and your team need to improve? Organise it
now so you can start the New Year with a bang. Perhaps a “Get
Organised for Success in 2002” workshop or seminar presented by
yours truly (that’s me). You’ll learn simple, easy to implement
strategies, which will motivate you and the troops to take
action and kick some serious butt. A great way to crank up the
New Year.
#3 Plan Your Holiday
Do it now! Where are you going to go to replenish your work-worn
body? Maybe you can stay at home, visit a few friends, lie on
the beach and veg out.
#4 Shopping
Write a list to whom you want to send a card, gift or both. Take
your list with you. Break your shopping into smaller excursions.
Dedicate one lunchtime or evening looking for specific groups of
people, i.e. friends, family, colleagues.
If you really want to make life easier, shop in one department
store rather than spend endless hours searching the city for
those elusive “perfect” gifts. Gift vouchers are also a great
idea. In fact they make absolute commonsense. The recipient will
be able to use the voucher in the post Xmas sales and probably
purchase twice as much!
Alternatively, don’t leave the office...shop on-line.
#5 The Inevitable Invitations
Use a diary and enter all the festivities you intend to go to.
If you receive an invitation for two parties on the same day,
make an executive decision and decide which one is the most
important for you to attend.
# 6 Watch the Waistline
Avoid the blimp syndrome. If you’re one of the millions who get
depressed about the extra kilos you carry at this time of year,
then be more selective at functions. Instead of stuffing
yourself with the fattiest food ever known to mankind, choose
healthier options. Keep the booze count down as well. Many
careers have been damaged at Xmas functions. Make sure it’s not
yours.
The Final Word
Implement these simple, yet very effective ideas and you’ll
breeze through the silly season. You’ll be able to have a few
days/weeks off knowing that you know where you’re heading in the
New Year and in full control of your life.
Your body will be kept in fairly reasonable shape so you can
have a head start when you embark on that inevitable fitness
regime, the one you’ve kept putting off until Xmas has blown
over.
Have a great week
Lorraine Pirihi
About Author :
The Office Organiser TM
