In the run up to Christmas we’re pulled in so many different directions. There are suddenly more things to plan for, such as additional shopping, cooking, and attending events.

Work brings about its own deadlines with many activities needing to be completed before the end of the year.

And as if all the family, friends, and work commitments weren’t enough, we also need to plan for self-care. We can’t be there for everyone else if we’re burnout, so factoring in some ‘me’ time is essential.

I chose E.G.G.N.O.G. as a metaphor for time management this festive season because it makes me think of this time of year, as Grandma used to make it.

She made it early in the day so the ingredients had time to rest. She said it tasted better when they’d been sitting for a while! This means it’s a drink that needs planning to make sure you have the right ingredients, a plan (or recipe) to bind it together, and then patience for it to be ready to consume!!

This is how I’ve used E.G.G.N.O.G. to provide some help for you over the next few weeks…

✨ Environment: I need to work in a space where I can see what I’m doing. If there’s clutter it makes the whole process more stressful. Having distractions around can cause procrastination. Whether I’m in the kitchen or the office, I think about what I need to get the best results and then crack on. Being tidy helps me feel calmer and more in control. Are you the same?

✨ Goals: Understand what success looks like during the next few weeks. By writing down your goals you’ll find out whether they’re realistic or not.

✨ Game Plan: Once you have your goals, prioritise what needs to happen when. By breaking the goals down into smaller bite size chunks, they won’t feel as overwhelming. I hope you can find ways to make each of those tasks something that you look forward to doing, as we’re always drawn towards things that we want to do rather than what we feel we have to!

✨ Saying No: This is an important part of time management at any time of the year. Instead of saying yes to everything, ask yourself if it’s important that you do everything on your list. Are there things that can drop off or perhaps be done by someone else?

✨ Obstructions: These will appear, but if you’re planned and organised you’ll remain calm and manage them with flair. When you’re creating your goals and game plan, think about what might get in the way of achieving them and have some options up your sleeve.

✨ Good Habits: Doing a little and often starts to create good habits in your time management. Perhaps write the tasks in your diary. I find that when I’ve created space for the job it gets done. If I’m trying to shoehorn it into an already packed schedule it probably won’t happen. Get as much done ahead of time to help you feel more relaxed. And remember to give yourself a high five when you’re on track!

So there you have it … whether you’re mixing up a festive drink or juggling a busy schedule, a bit of thought and care can go a long way.