4 Steps to Getting Your Routine Back After the Holidays
Having a little trouble getting your routine back after the holidays? You’re not alone. Many female entrepreneurs (especially those who work from home) get their schedules out of whack when the kids descend for several weeks, not to mention those days off, parties, and overall a disrupted schedule in December. Now that the merriment is over, it’s time to clear your head and start being a productive business owner once again!
Step 1: Catch Up
There are likely things that got put off during the holiday madness. Now is the time to review your to do list and take care of anything that’s behind or due now. Hopefully you were organized enough before the holidays to schedule around any time you planned to take off, but in the event that something got forgotten take care of it immediately (especially if it’s for a client). If the work is mounting, plan what you’ll do based on priority. Put those tasks on your digital calendar, or wherever you organize your activities, and be sure to delegate them if you have staff.
Step 2: Clean Your Space
I actually like to do this before the holidays, but if you’re not a neat freak like me, you can do it now. Organize your desk, office, and even computer files so that you’re maximized for productivity. Throw out papers you don’t need — and consider scanning documents rather than hanging onto them physically. This includes those laggard holiday decorations! If you’ve been putting off taking the tree down, doing so can help you shift into the post-holiday mindset.
Step 3: Shift Your Mindset
And speaking of mindset...maybe you’ve still got the habit of going to your coffee shop every afternoon with a friend. This probably isn’t going to contribute to your productivity right now, so save it for a weekend treat. Break all the holiday habits you developed (naps, reading books midday) and put your focus on your business. It may take a few days to really feel back in the groove.
Step 4: Think About the Coming 12 Months
You’re at the start of a fresh year, so consider what you want to accomplish this year. If you like, create resolutions or goals to focus on this year. Think about where your business is right now; do you want to grow it? Add staff? Take on more clients? Expand? These are all important to plan around in January, so write out whatever tasks come of this brainstorming session. Don’t let those holidays throw you off your path to succeeding as an entrepreneur. Get a game plan and get back to your business-as-usual routine as soon as possible.
Let's hear from you! What are your tips and tricks to getting your routine going after the Holidays? Tell us in the comments below!