Does your mind start to race when you think about the holidays? Are you looking for some simple solutions to help your whole family enjoy the time together, in spite of the constantly-changing global conditions?
In today’s video, we’re sharing four specific ways to help you do that.
(The FULL one-hour class–that teaches how to flexibly schedule the “big rocks” into your holiday planning, how to emotionally navigate feelings of frustration, and how to set up systems to manage logistics so you can enjoy the season–can be found inside our STEP Mastery Facebook group. Details are at the bottom of the page!)
Highlights from this video (featuring four ways to close up all the extra projects, tasks, and piles so you can feel calm and present):
(1) Create a “To think about in January” list. The fact of the matter is that we have a limited amount of time and energy during the holidays, and many things will need to wait. Whenever something comes to you mind that you’d like to do, but now isn’t the right time to do it, simply put it on this list that you’ll review in January! I keep mine in my planner on a little sheet of paper. It’ll give your brain a rest–knowing it’s safe and that it will come back to you after the new year.
(2) Narrow your December projects down as MUCH as you can. (Three projects sounds ideal to me!) When you’re feeling healthy and optimistic, you may find yourself loading your project list with 10, 20, or even 30 separate projects you’d like to accomplish this month. That is a one-way ticket to burnout. Instead, think CAREFULLY and pick just three projects in the “Me,” “My Family,” and “Beyond” categories. You’re going to feel soooooo much better. And if you get all of those done early, you can always add more. Just don’t start with more.
(3) Renegotiate with your friends, family, coworkers, etc. As you look at the lists you created in steps 1 and 2, communicate to anyone who may have been impacted by the projects you cut or the tasks you delayed. There’s a good chance they aren’t even thinking about your list (because they’re worrying about their own projects and tasks), but you’ll probably feel better if you know you’ve been clear with the people you love and support. A simple text, email, discussion, etc. can save hours of angst. 🙂
(4) Focus on reducing your cognitive load. I’ve been going through some tricky health challenges since early August. I’m feeling much better now and moving in a good direction, but I simply haven’t had the bandwidth to do all I normally would be doing this time of year. But do you know what helped TREMENDOUSLY? I systematically used what energy I did have to reduce my cognitive load. I cleaned out every drawer and closet in the house, whittled down my lists, handled all those little things that were nagging my mind, and created an environment that LIFTS me. Now I can walk around my house without draining my mental energy–which allows me to focus my energy on the projects and people that are most important.
Because we’re human beings–living in a world with other human beings, it’s only natural to have moments of stress and frustration in the middle of the holidays. But I promise these tips above will make a difference for you. Enjoy–and let us know how it goes!
Related Resources
Would you like to watch the full video titled, “Your Fun, Peaceful, Guilt-Free Holiday Season”? It’s available inside our STEP Mastery Facebook group as part of the STEP Booster Series. You can find all the details here! (Now is an AMAZING time to join STEP Mastery. There’s a link and info on the Booster Series page to make it easy. Hope to see you inside!)
*Books:
*Free Community Facebook Group
Did you know that LearnDoBecome just launched a free group where you can find out about new resources, interact with fellow LearnDoBecome community members, get tips and tricks for improving your life, and find out if this is your tribe? 🙂
Click here to request access to the Facebook group! (It’s a party...and it‘s free!)
Thanks for being with us, and please make sure to tell your friends about LearnDoBecome!
Love the idea of the Pez dispensers for completing tasks in each project!!!! So creative. Great team work on this one!
I knew your program would set me straight. I am a 70 year old retiree with a Tea Party side hustle until Covid. More importantly years ago I was a Covey Trainer and worked many First Things First workshops. Covey was practically my mission as I matriculated through the many levels. For life balance and work efficiency it was the best.
Then I retired and spent four years muddling about, finally started my creative tea parties.
NOW, I See your workshop as a life saver. I’m just beginning but know I am on my way to a organized office and peace of mind in the New Year. Thank you both for this program. Best Wishes in the NEW YEAR 2021. WE SURVIVE AND PROSPER TOGETHER.