The Pressure of Year-End

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is feeling the pressure of the end of the year.

Thanksgiving came so late this year that it was December before I realized it. And then the pressure started.

It didn’t help that I was sick during Thanksgiving week and had to postpone a few client appointments. That makes December even busier than I’d like.

It also didn’t help that the weather this month has been either torrential rain or freezing wind. That has prevented me from running some errands that I would have squeezed in during my rare pockets of free time.

So how am I handling this pressure to get things done by the end of the year? By being clear on what really needs to get accomplished, and then prioritizing my time. I’ve had to ask myself what deadlines are real and which are self-imposed.

If you’re feeling year-end pressure, create a list of things to do and then put due dates on each task. See what can be put off until January. Also think about what tasks you really don’t need to do. There may be traditions you think you need to do for the holidays that you don’t really need to do.

Take a few deep breaths and enjoy the holidays!