Yay! It's the holiday season. Shopping, parties, dinners, friends, family, ceremonies, customs, traditions, expectations, media, marketing -- and not enough time! There is so much to do in such a short span of time that, if you don't make some decisions, the holidays will be over and you may not have done what you wanted.
So, first things first. The holidays usually involve lots of commitments. Make the most important one first. Commit to yourself that you will do what it takes to make your holiday enjoyable. Next, commit to using your time and energy wisely so you don't end up stressed out and burned out.
Next, look at how much time you have. Get a calendar and mark the important dates (for example, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's). Mark your time off if you are fortunate enough to have some.
Make a list of all the events and parties you have been invited to attend and all the people you could possibly visit. Sort them into three categories:
1) I love this event and these people,
2) It is in my best interest to attend this event and see these people, and
3) I don't want to attend this or see these people.
Make sure that the events you want to attend and the people you love get on your calendar first. Next, make sure that they don't conflict with the people and things that it would be in your best interest to see or do. Remember to schedule time for yourself, to do whatever inspires, energizes, relaxes, rejuvenates or empowers you. Lastly, don't do anything you don't want to do.
Once all the things you want to do are put in the calendar, you'll find that they just happen. Everything else will somehow get done.
When you don't want to do something, be straight forward with people. Tell them that you are booked solid. If your time is scheduled and you are committed to something else, you are not making excuses. Remember, you made the commitment to yourself to have a good holiday.
If you are not the one making the right commitments and decisions, other people will gladly decide for you. They will commit your energy and time to things you don't really want to do.
Make sure you are the one making the decisions and that your number one commitment is to yourself. This way you'll be doing what you want this holiday!
