So you’ve got the turkey to buy the decorations to put up, the cards to write out, relatives to visit and the working day to complete….how on earth are you going to cram it all in? and at the same time keep everyone happy including yourself!
Take a look at these 5 simple tips to help you gain a renewed, calmer perspective and take back control over this busy time of year…..
1) Organisation. Start just by jotting down a rough list on a writing pad so that you have an idea of what you have to get done, but also how ideally you would like your Christmas to be. This will give you an instant starting point, to grow from. On from there, now simply jot down in order of task priority 1-10. So if Xmas cards need attending to first, then they get a 1 score. 10 is much further down your priority list.
2) Communicate to delegate. Christmas fun shouldn’t be all down to just one person, as this creates an imbalance, and sometimes resentment. Make sure that you communicate your needs and wants accurately and clearly and see how you can work things out between yourself and others family members. Can one person bring the spuds pre peeled and sorted? Can you cook the turkey the night before? Can someone offer to make the Christmas cake and bring it? can one of the teenagers be key coffee and tea maker for the day? Can you order food and pressies on line? Get creative and go for sharing tasks with balance in mind.
3) Diary management. Take a look at the week before Christmas, and pencil in what slots and times are convenient to you. Stick to this even if someone else can’t make those times, and this will help you to avoid stressing out over trying to be everything to everyone.
4) Assertiveness. So you can’t please everyone all of the time right? this is true of many family, work and friend commitments especially at Christmas time. So next time you are asked for the impossible, remember that saying no isn’t such a crime. Start by using the phrase ‘I understand’ as everyone likes to be understood. Next you come in with ‘however’ which gives you the chance to state your reasons as to why you can’t make an appointment or complete a task right now.. finally you can say ‘and what I would like to happen is…. or what I suggest is…. So to give you an example…
Hi Joanna, can you sort this report out for me now please, as I need it done today. Hi rob, OK yes I understand that you need this doing now, however I am right in the middle of completing this last minute report that was sent to me earlier, and what I would like is for you to give me another half hour or so in order for me to get it done. thanks.
5) Take time to sit back and enjoy what you have worked so hard for. Book yourself in for a pre Christmas massage, or go to get your hair styled. Take half an hour to go meet a friend. Go to bed half hour earlier, take in a film in, or take a pre Christmas break. Whatever you do, make sure that this Christmas works for you!
Have a good one!
Joanna
www.1stsuccess.com