The year is coming to a close and I find myself wondering, where the heck did 2014 go anyway? I know it’s cliché, but holy cow does time sure fly. With all of the craziness of getting ready for the holidays, it’s tempting to view the last week of the year as a “wind down week” where you can sleep in, forget about work emails, and just relax before the daily work grind begins again on Jan. 2.
This year, Christmas fell on a Thursday, which left many of us with a three-day workweek. According to the Holiday Productive Survey conducted in 2011 by Regus, a flexible workspace provider, 64 percent of business people head into work that week. Not surprising, though, is that most (39 percent) don’t get much done.
It seems to me there is an opportunity here—whether you fall into the “I have to work” or “I want to work that week” camp—to make it your most productive week ever. So, I challenge you–instead of making New Year’s resolutions you know you won’t keep, how about setting a goal to be productive the last week of 2014? Are you with me?
Here are five things you should do before New Year’s Day:
- Make an “ideal week” spreadsheet. Depending on your business, it can sometimes be difficult to describe a “typical” day or week because it varies so much. But, if you were to look at the kind of work you do and the clients you serve (whether internal or external), how would you break up your day? Look at how much time you spend with individual clients, what you’d like to spend on marketing for yourself or your business, how much time you’d like to devote to professional development and where your standing meetings fall within the week. Include time for breaks too. Once you have it all laid out, begin to color code the work and enter it into a spreadsheet. This will become your visual reminder of how you’d like your day to be. While you may not achieve this every day or even once a week, there is a greater chance you’ll be more productive and thoughtful about how you spend your workday.
- Enhance your LinkedIn profile and participate in discussions. This is a really good time to check out the new profile pages on LinkedIn. If you haven’t been active on the site, consider becoming more active by joining groups relevant to your industry. Participate in discussions by commenting on posts. Be sure you read the rules for the group ahead of time so you know what is appropriate and what is frowned upon. Also, check out the endorsements section of your connections and endorse people you know who have specific skills. You may even want to write a recommendation for a business partner, former coworker or client. Chances are high they’ll return the favor.
- Participate in webinars and view TED Talks. If there are certain skills you’ve been looking to improve, search for free webinars on the topic. Review industry trade publications and websites for ideas. You might also want to check YouTube for videos on those topics. TED Talks are great resources for trend topics and for personal or business growth topics. At WordWrite, we incorporated “TED Talk Thursdays” into a standing meeting we had as a group. Sometimes the topics were funny and other times more inspirational. Each one was memorable, and with the constant flow of new material, you’re sure to find some that inspire you.
- File, organize, and clean. I know, not the sexiest of things to be doing, but won’t you feel great when you come back into the office on Jan. 2 and everything is neat, tidy, and ready to go? Toss old files, create new ones for 2015, and sort out all loose papers on or near your desk. Don’t forget about electronic files. Clean off your computer desktop, create shortcuts where needed, empty your online trash bin, sort or delete your email messages, set up reminders to stay on top of it throughout the year and get your calendar in order. And, while you’re in the cleaning mode, take a peak in that office refrigerator and dispose of any old food that is yours and replenish with new items. If you have snacks in your desk drawers, check to make sure they are still good. While everyone else is fumbling around trying to find things after being off for several days, you can relax knowing that you are prepared and ready for whatever comes your way.
- Create your reading list for the year. Make a goal to read a business publication once a quarter—or more if you have time. Determine what those will be and purchase them. Having a plan for continuous self-improvement throughout the year is a great way to hold yourself accountable. If you set a challenging, yet manageable goal and achieve it, you’ll feel good about yourself while being a positive role model for your peers. One bonus—each book can provide excellent content for your LinkedIn profile. You can let others know what you’re reading, write reviews, start conversations and engage with other business professionals interested in the same topics.
Instead of lounging around in your sweats at home the last week of the year, why not head to the office and make the last week of the year your most productive one? Start the year 2015 off on the right foot—with a fresh mind, an organized desk, healthy goals, and a stocked drawer full of snacks.
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