Consistency and Productivity During the Holiday Season

Consistency and Productivity During the Holiday Season

It is that time of year when our everyday lives are influenced by the holiday season. This is a busy time of year for many, and progress on our goals often shifts. Is that a problem? Well, it depends.

One of the keys to achieving our goals is consistency, and for those who are caught up in productivity, this time of year can feel frustrating.

What I appreciate about the holiday season is that it offers a perfect opportunity to assess my goals and gratitude.

The holiday season, for many, is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Although it can also be seen as a time of obligation, and awkward conversations with some. In theory, it is a time for us to get together and share in the joy of our loved ones. It is a time to celebrate all of the work and accomplishments that we have achieved. Also, it is a time of gratitude.

When I find myself frustrated with the holidays when they get in the way of my goals, I explore this frustration with curiosity.

  • Why is my goal incompatible with my ability to enjoy the holidays?
  • Why do the holidays need to disrupt my routines?
  • Am I losing sight of what I am actually grateful for?

This is important because we often get lost in the idea of remaining productive at all costs, and it can come at the expense of our joy and fulfillment.  Unless your goal is endless, mindless productivity, then I might suggest that you rethink your frustration with the holidays.  That is where practicing gratitude is comes in handy. 

Many of those annoying commitments exist because there are people who care about you and whom you care about who want to see you. The gathering and exchange of gifts are a time for us to appreciate our close family and friends. Many don’t have holiday obligations and would gladly switch places with you.

Holidays offer a unique time of the year when society provides the gift of time away from work. It is a time for vacation and relaxation. If you are lucky enough to be in this situation, then why waste it with worry? Why turn it into angst? This does not mean you need to abandon your progress toward your goal, but you may take the time to modulate it. Perhaps you can expect a little less progress in the short term so that you can be refreshed in the long term. Moments of pause do not have to mean that long-term progress is compromised. In fact, they are more likely to increase productivity over the lifetime of your work. It has been proven that overwork leads to a lack of productivity, and moments of pause and reassessment lead to more productivity and better goals.