Productivity and Motivation: Make the End of 2015 Count!

By Brittany Davies

Can you believe that we are in the last four months of the year? Not to mention, today is the halfway point of September? I know I can’t! 2015 sure seems to be flying by! When it comes to the homestretch of the year, I know one thing I struggle with is the long period of no breaks until the holidays.

Whether you’re in litigation support, court reporting, marketing, an attorney or paralegal (or any job for that matter!), follow these tips to make sure you stay motivated and productive during the busiest time of the year.

• From Labor Day to Thanksgiving, there really aren’t any breaks. Make sure you give yourself at least one down weekend every month. In September, spend one last weekend with the family at the beach while the weather is nice. In October, go pumpkin picking or to an orchard. Having something to look forward to makes you want to get your work done!

• Keep track of the calendar. Just as September snuck up on us, so do those holidays! The last thing you want to be doing is panicking over unfinished and time-sensitive work when the holidays already bring their own stress. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26. Hanukkah runs from Sunday, December 6 to Monday, December 14. Both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Friday.

• Stay organized! Like the above tip, things must be done and time does not stop. Ensure that your company holiday party plans, client holiday lunches, and 2016 plans are in place and completed before departing from the office and celebrating. The holidays will be more peaceful if your brain isn’t still at the office thinking about all the work you haven’t done! Prioritizing is key during this busy time.

• Keep moving. During the summer, staying active is easy between the beaches, pools, and nice weather. As soon as October hits around here (Washington, D.C.), I’m in sweater-weather mode. I want to wear warm clothes, boots, and park myself in front of a fire and hibernate with baked goods and heavy food until about March. However, I know I should set time aside every day to exercise and stay healthy, even at the office. December to February is peak flu season in the United States, and grandma’s sugar cookies aren’t going to help in fighting that bug! Eating healthy (fruit and veggies), staying active, AND getting enough sleep all contribute to high productivity levels and fighting off whatever viruses and illnesses come your way.

• And lastly, get into the spirit. After Halloween, it’s crunch time! The holiday season is extremely busy and sometimes stressful, but it should be something to look forward to. It’s a time of the year to be thankful for all that we have. Thank your coworkers, clients, friends, and family for all they do! Be happy, create joy, and keep that going all year round.

Make the last months in 2015 count! For help making sure your deposition and trial needs are met, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or scheduling@planetdepos.com.