Owning a business has been even more challenging the past few years and as we move closer towards the end of the year, it is important that we begin to wind down, so that we have the capacity to maintain focus and motivation.
It is easy to become less focused and fatigued during this busy time, with lots of social things on and end of the year deadlines approaching. Practicing a consistent routine during this time, including self-care and organisation will help us to avoid burn out before the Christmas break.
Tips on winding down before the holidays
Prioritise Your Projects – It is necessary to do this so that you understand what work needs to be completed first, what is a priority. Once this is decided, then you can create your ‘to do list’ and schedule your projects around deadlines and what is of highest priority.
Maintain a ‘To Do List’ – keep this realistic and don’t be too hard on yourself for not completing every task.
Manage Your Customers Expectations. If you haven't done it yet, now it's a good time to let your customers know your plans. Let them know your phone will be off for a period of time and emails will not be answered until the date you are back.
Planning goals and scheduling deadlines before the holiday period will help you to keep on track of your tasks.
But be realistic with your expectations after the holiday season "I'll get back to you in the new year" to be honest, if you answered the same to everyone, it means January will be extremely busy.
Plan the activities for the first two weeks of the year. Maybe you can regroup with your team and review priorities for the month, quarter, year. O simply review the "to do list" you wrote the last day before holidays and reprioritise it if necessary.
Enjoy the Break
So you decided you will take a break during the holiday season and worked really hard to 'deserve it'. Here you will find 3 ways you can give yourself some love and appreciation over the holidays.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Do Absolutely Nothing
There’s a lot of pressure for small business owners to LOVE what they do. Because we’re living the dream of independent work, aren't we?
Let’s be real. We all sometimes need to disconnect from the stress of work, so you should have zero guilt about not working, not even thinking about work. And the holidays are a perfect time to give yourself a break and relax—totally guilt-free.
Spend some quality time with your loved ones, enjoy your favourite holiday movie, reading or simply enjoying time on your own as many of us need as part of our recharging process. Whatever it is you choose to do, be sure to take in these restful moments for all they’re worth.
2. Treat Yourself
‘Tis the season for giving gifts. Perhaps you’ve been itching for a new tool or piece of technology to help run your business?
Our advice: Treat yourself!
It could be a new desk chair or wishing for some noise-canceling headphones that allow you to work more effectively from home.
Or maybe you’ve been putting all of your blood, sweat, and tears into keeping your small business afloat all year?
If that’s the case, why not treat yourself to a little self-care. A day of leisure, or going for a hike on a working day might be just what Santa ordered.
Don’t feel guilty—you’ve earned it!
3. Take Time to Reconnect
Living a life with purpose is an important part to reach happiness. When our day to day life is aligned to something bigger than ourselves, we tend to live a happier, healthier and more productive life.
However, taking time to thinking about our "Why" or our "Purpose" is not an easy task when we are busy running our business, taking care of customers as well as trying to be there for our family and friends.
Your WHY can be as simple as:
- Providing for your family.
- Living a successful life (according to your definition of success).
- Exploring the world.
- Making positive connections with others and enjoying those around you.
Take time during the holiday season to reconnect with your purpose.
Believe it or not, it WILL help you and your business.
