We are officially past Halloween and into the last two months of the year. That means time is ticking. There are really only seven more weeks to meet your targets for year-end or quarter end. The pressure is on.
As we reach the end of the year and the final push for achieving our 2013 objectives, many are even further challenged with spending cuts and travel bans making it more difficult to achieve their goals. The challenging environment and pressure to deliver combined with the cooler days and less hours of sunshine can leave even the most brilliant leader feeling beat up and drained.
The common thing I hear is, “if I just had more hours in the day.”
Clearly that is not an option; however, by applying the strategies below you can increase your effectiveness and focus which will enable you to get more done in less time.
Strategy #1 – Review your YTD Accomplishments
Achievers are almost always looking forward to what they have not achieved. Take half an hour and write down everything you have accomplished already this year. You will likely be surprised at how much you have actually been able to accomplish. You have a pattern of success and there is no way it is going to stop now! You are a winner and I have no doubt you will have a strong finish to this year.
Strategy #2 – Rally Your Troops
You can be assured that you are not the only one feeling a little beat up and depleted right now. The people around you and the people you lead are feeling it too. Don’t underestimate your power to breathe some life into them. Share your YTD Accomplishments with them and thank them for their contributions. Then remind them of your 2013 vision and ask them for their commitment to making this the best possible year. Can you imagine if everyone on your team increased their productivity by just 2-5% for the next two months? That will take a lot of pressure off you.
Strategy #3 – Protect your Most Valuable Asset
Take care of yourself! The go to approach when you feel pressed for time is to start working much longer hours and not taking any downtime for yourself. You stop going to the gym. You grab a burger from the drive thru on your way from one appointment to the next. You replace breakfast for an extra cup of coffee and just double up on the sugar. Now more than ever it is important that you take extreme good care of yourself. You must get a minimum of 8 hours sleep each night, commit to some form of exercise, eat healthy and drink lots of water. Keep your mind fresh with some meditation or at least a daily email/work expiry time at least one hour before bed so your mind can rest, recover and be fresh for the next day.
I am confident that you will have a fine finish to this very challenging year. If you would benefit from some support consider an Executive Coach and contact me today!