Your Busy Period Survival Guide

1. Intentional

Get really clear on what matters most. We sometimes have to come to terms with the fact that we can’t do it all. This is the season to double down on focusing your time and energy on those things that will have the biggest impact – for you, your team and the organisation. Then look at how you can delete, delegate or downgrade the rest.

I know you can juggle a LOT… but, as we head into the busy season, I want you to practise using one simple word – NO. Every time you say NO, it allows you to stay focused on those activities that matter most.

2. Create space to think

At this stage of your career, you are employed to think, not just do! Solving the big problems, creating new strategies, coming up with innovative ideas and sustainable solutions. These don’t come when we are knee-deep in the weeds.  They need time and space to emerge.

As the demands for your time increases over the next few months, creating space every week will be critical.  Take a look at your calendar now and schedule in at least an hour of weekly “thinking time.”

3. Optimise your energy

When people ask me what my number one productivity tip is – my answer is – get more sleep!

For years we’ve been encouraged to manage our time to increase our output but in this era of the knowledge worker where we are employed for our brain not our brawn – being well rested is the thing that makes the biggest difference.

Intuitively, we all know that we do our best work when we’ve had a good night’s sleep and have taken good care of our mind and body.

Don’t be fooled by how simple these suggestions are.

That’s the beauty of them. They aren’t fancy – but they work.

So I wonder… which of these strategies could make a real difference to how you close out your year?

Are you clear on what matters most – to you, your team and the organisation?
Are you creating space each week for thinking and planning?
Could you benefit from a little more sleep?

Here’s to a brilliant end to the year.