Your to-do list at work is growing, year-end commitments are calling your name, and somewhere in between, you’re trying to remember to move that darn Elf on the Shelf. While we can’t add more hours to the day (although we wish we could!), we can be smarter about using the ones we have.
December isn’t just about holiday cheer. It’s about finishing strong. Here’s how to make this season work for you, not against you.
Strategic Wins for Busy Days
December productivity isn’t about massive overhauls or major changes but rather strategic adjustments that pack a real punch.
Start by identifying 2-3 mission-critical tasks each day that directly impact your year-end goals. These aren’t just any tasks; these are the heavy hitters that will make a difference when January rolls around. Then, block off the times when your mind is sharpest, and interruptions are minimal.
Last, create a simple “waiting for” list to keep track of delegated tasks. This helps prevent anything from slipping through the cracks and helps identify potential bottlenecks.
The Art of Yes (and No)
The holiday season is a great time to practice being strategic with your commitments.
Instead of a quick “no,” try:
| “I’m focused on our Q4 deliverables right now, but I can contribute by [specific alternative] to keep this moving forward.” |
And when new requests arise, use the pause technique:
| “Let me align this with our year-end priorities and get back to you tomorrow with the most effective way to help.” |
This creates space to evaluate priorities without making snap commitments.
Protect Your Productive Time
Being protective of your time isn’t selfish—it’s smart.
Back-to-back meetings might seem productive, but they can drain our energy when we need it most. Try scheduling 25 or 50-minute meetings where appropriate, using those extra minutes for quick progress checks on critical tasks or responding to urgent emails.
Your lunch hour? Think of it as your strategic recharge time—use it for uninterrupted focus on high-priority work or for genuine rest that fuels your afternoon performance.
Make Every Moment Count
The joy of December comes from weaving small moments of cheer before and after work. For example, maybe you start your mornings by checking the advent calendar or eating breakfast with a holiday movie playing in the background. You can also make your commute special by calling a friend or family member to catch up and talk about holiday plans.
And, whether you’re working from home or at the office, you can set the mood with a holiday playlist to energize your focus times. (Just remember those headphones in the office!)
End the Day Strong
Take 10 minutes at the end of each day to write your top 3 priorities for tomorrow, focusing on tasks that directly impact year-end goals. Use this time to tidy your workspace or update project trackers—future you will be thankful.
And yes, plan 1 small special moment each day—maybe it’s a hot chocolate while reviewing quarterly numbers or a quick walk to see neighborhood lights between client calls. These moments aren’t just about holiday cheer; they’re strategic breaks that keep us energized and focused on finishing the year strong.
Because here’s the truth: December can have both joy and excellence.
It’s not about choosing between holiday spirit and outstanding performance—it’s about strategically embracing both to create your strongest year-end.
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