Staying Focused on Your Work Throughout the Holiday Season
The holiday season comes with a plethora of daily distractions. From cyber deals to social gatherings, there always seems to be something to entice you away from the task at hand. As tempting as it may be to jump from one shiny thing to the next, work still needs to get done. In fact, this time of year is often busy for entirely different, work related reasons. As the end of the year draws near, projects often need to be finished, goals met and the next year’s planning well underway. With that in mind, here are six tips to help you focus and stay productive throughout the holidays without sacrificing the cheer!
6 Ways to Increase Focus While Working to Ensure that You Have Time to Enjoy the Holidays
1. Eliminate Distractions Within Your Control
When you’re struggling to remain focused, even the smallest distraction can hinder your productivity. Increase your ability to concentrate by eliminating as many distractions as possible. For example, silence unnecessary phone or email notifications, set your phone screen-side down or close the door to your office.
2. Schedule Your Time
At the beginning of each day, make a list of everything you need to accomplish before wrapping up and prioritize each task. Set deadlines for yourself if you are concerned with the amount of work on your plate. This creates a sense of urgency and can help you stay focused. Creating a time limit also ensures you do not spend longer than necessary completing each assignment. Leave extra time in your day for miscellaneous tasks such as checking email, and do your best to provide time for any inevitable unexpected interruptions.
3. Avoid Multitasking
You probably think that you are saving time by trying to do multiple things at once, but it’s unlikely. When your attention is split between tasks, it’s often difficult to dedicate the attention needed to focus and work efficiently to do the job well. This can lead to sub-par work and mistakes. Instead, complete each task separately. It will help to ensure that you work efficiently, always do your best and that you have time left in the day to enjoy the holidays.
4. Delegate or Ask for Help
It can be tempting to do everything yourself. After all, you know that you will do it correctly and training someone else will take time. That being said, if you have too much on your plate, delegate what you can. The time you invest in training others can have a significant payoff, as it can enable you to focus on more strategic activities moving forward.
Keep in mind that your coworkers and employees are also feeling the pressures of work combined with their outside obligations. Avoid overloading them simply to clear your plate. If the whole team is overwhelmed, it might be best to ask for help.
5. Reward Yourself
Use a holiday activity as a reward. For example, if you know there is a holiday dinner or other social gathering after work or at the end of the week, use that as motivation to focus on your work. This little incentive can help you put your nose to the grindstone, get the work done quickly and allow you the ability to clock out and enjoy the merriment!
6. Take Care of Yourself
When life is busy in and outside of work, force yourself to stay in control. Make a point to eat healthy and get enough sleep. Otherwise, you will not be able to function at full capacity. With your free time, surround yourself with positive people who will help you unwind from work and make the most of the holiday season!
Take the Next Step in Your Career with RealStreet!
Are you so overworked that you can’t enjoy the holidays? Advance your architecture, engineering or construction career with RealStreet in a role that’s a perfect fit! Check out our job board to learn more about our available positions, or simply send us your resume and let our expert recruiting team match you to future opportunities.