Ending the Year Productively

Between finalizing end-of-year reports and staying upbeat in the cold, it can be challenging to remain productive at work during the holidays. On the other hand, this is the perfect time of year to reflect and redirect your efforts, start working toward making next year better than ever, and, of course, end this year with a bang. 

Here are a few tips to help keep you on track:

1. Goals 

No, not New Year Resolutions, goals to accomplish before the end of the year. It’s easy to get wrapped up thinking about the holidays and what next year will hold. So set yourself one or two manageable goals that you can accomplish before 2016 hits. Having specific tasks to complete will help keep you focused and prevent an end-of-year slump.

2. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Even worse than being overwhelmed by the looming New Year is focusing on things that didn’t get accomplished this year. Did you miss deadlines for projects? Or never finish reading the book on your nightstand? Schedule a block of time to review the challenges that prevented you from meeting some of your goals over the past year. Make notes of the things you can improve on, and let the rest go. As playwright Samuel Beckett said, “Try again. Fail Again. Fail better.” Give yourself a break and begin 2016 with a fresh slate.

3. Make Updates 

Gather up any straggling business cards and contact information you’ve accumulated this year . Scan any relevant documents and get rid of the clutter on your desk. Go ahead and schedule tasks and follow-ups to stay in touch with clients in the New Year. Now you can relax and know that no one is going to get lost in the holiday haze.

4. Get a Gold Star 

Imagine that you’re standing in front of your coworkers, family, or friends. They’re about to hand you a Certificate for Excellence for 2015! What is the award for? Reflect on the past year and write down your favorite accomplishments. Maybe you made a million dollars in sales. Or did you bake the best apple pie of your life? No matter what it was, remembering your successes is the best way to pump yourself up for another year of greatness.

5. Renew Project Management 

Many people resolve to get organized in the next year. Don’t wait until January 1 to figure out how to get started. Research new project management tools to implement in your personal life or in the office. Find a system that you think will help you be more productive in the future. You’ll have more momentum if you can hit the ground running.

Life always gives you a second chance, its called Happy New Year. 2016