The Eventual Conclusion that December is a Time for Productivity NOT Distraction

So it’s the last week before Christmas, and it seems to me there are three things most people are trying to do … finish their holiday shopping, finalize their holiday plans, and try to get their year-end work done without being distracted by the first two things.

It can be a serious challenge, and as someone who leaves his shopping and planning until the last possible moment, I can relate. At this very moment I’m trying to write a blog post while simultaneously witnessing a lengthy – and  occasionally heated – email string develop between my wife and my mother (who are arguing and debating about when we’ll be over to open presents and drink eggnog – isn’t it nice to be wanted?). I’m also trying to figure out when I’m going to catch up on committee meeting minutes and over-due marketing collateral while pondering how I’m going to do all my shopping on my Wednesday lunch break.

Interestingly however, I’ve noticed over the last week or so my phone isn’t ringing too much and my (work) email inbox is relatively empty. It seems I’m not the only one having trouble focusing. It also occurs to me though, that rather than seeing other peoples’ inefficiency as a saving grace for my own distraction, I should see it as an opportunity. How often do workplace distractions quiet down to a gentle buzz? Rarely. The last week before Christmas might actually be the best possible time for optimum productivity. No one bothers you. It’s just you and the large to-do list you’ve been meaning to get to all year long. So step up and get to it!

And for all of you requiring some tips on how to be more productive, here’s a short article that might help. Come on – read it now, and you can procrastinate for five more minutes!

From the Burnaby Board of Trade, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! See, I said both. No one’s offended