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How to Get More Done During The Holidays and Beyond

Have all the Christmas and Holiday preparations worn you out yet? Maybe you are just ready to get it over with at this point. For my family, the last few days have been intense. Every year I am amazed how many things need to be done not only before Christmas but also before the New Year even gets here. Well, if you are anything like most families, there is a high value in knowing how to get more done, especially while not driving you and the people around you crazy. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family, exercise more regularly or get a few projects done around the house.

What I have discovered is that if you want to ensure you have a more productive day, you need to set yourself up for one the night before. This will help make sure you do the most important things first. Even if your day gets interrupted-and many times, it will – your goal should be to complete your most important tasks first. Here are five action steps you can use to set yourself up for the most productive day possible:

  1. Protect your morning routine. I very rarely schedule early morning activities. I try my best to not schedule anything before 8:00 am. My hours from 5:30 to 8:00 are sacred. I have my morning devotional, workout and during the school year I drive my kids to school (which I absolutely love doing). I know a couple who spend ten minutes talking each morning before they start their day. This can be a great way for you and your spouse to spend some time together and get organized for the day.
  2. Create a to-do list with your top three must-dos. Before you wake up in the morning, you should have already written down your top three must-dos for the day. These should be the non-negotiable. You need to do your best to make them happen no matter what. It is best to list them in priority order.
  3. Set up your technology (e.g. computer, iPad) with only the programs you will need loaded first thing in the morning. Sounds a little crazy but this step is critical. It is very easy to get sucked into e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram (just to name a few). By logging off at the end of your day, you avoid some of the temptations to quickly (or so you think) peruse them in the morning. You should only have open those apps/programs you need to see when you wake up (for me it is my Bible App) to use during your morning routine.
  4. Set your exercise clothes out. I would say the Army has helped me more with doing this than anything else. I found it also helpful to have my kids do this before their sporting event the next day. We all need to incorporate some type of exercise into our weekly routine. There are numerous physical and emotional advantages for doing it. For me I am much more productive and at peace when I exercise. It sure helps when I begin by setting out my exercise clothes the night before and it is a good reminder when I wake up. If you do this, you make your intention real to your subconscious and you are more likely to do it.
  5. Get to bed at a designated time. It is a heck of a lot easier to get up on time if you go to bed on time. With four young kids, it is not easy to get to bed at the exact same time each night. However, the more you condition your mind to get up at the same time each day, the more successful you will be at getting up, and as a result, the more apt you will be at getting your to-do list done.

Let us be honest here, will you fall short of this ideal – Absolutely. It happened to me just yesterday. I stayed up late getting some work done before I go on vacation and I completely overslept the next morning and was not able to complete all of my morning ritual. Oh well, I cannot beat myself up, nor should you. Our goal should never be to not fail, but rather to continue learning and getting better. Fortunately, tomorrow is another chance to practice. Remember that having a productive day tomorrow begins tonight. It is all in the setup.

From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

God Bless,

Doug Hedrick

Comment(1)

  1. Bill Morris says

    So true. I have found that I haven’t been as productive over the past few months. This can be directly related by my choice to not work out. I know it and I keep putting off getting going. It needs to get done so I can get back to being more productive with my time. Sleep is extremely important as well.

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