CLEAR THE DECKS!

There’s something about December that affects us all, in one way, or another. For many, it’s increased optimism, anticipating the holiday season.? For others, it’s a feeling of panic and overwhelm as they realize how much needs to be done before the holidays. For others, it’s a dread of everyone else’s good cheer highlighting their own emotional turmoils.

But, there’s something that’s common to all.? The desire to end off the old year well and reset for the new, and hopefully, better year about to begin. The change of seasons also tends to elicit similar emotional and mental responses. Everyone has their favorite time of year.?

What if we could hit on a formula that would give us the kind of happy, hopeful expectation many feel when anticipating a happy event… all year long?

I think it’s possible and I think it’s something that we leaders should seriously consider. Not only for our own benefit, but also for the ripple effect on our team members, our families, our friends and our communities. Pie-in-the-sky? Not necessarily. As I discussed in my article ‘Optimism creates opportunities?’ there’s a big difference between realistic optimism and wishful positive thinking. The same goes for what I’m talking about now.? There are concrete things we can do that will change our perspective. When our perspective (thinking) changes, it affects how we feel, which affects how we behave.?

So here goes… a few simple things that require some awareness, a little discipline, but most of all the desire to do them.

1. Count your blessings one by one. Yes, I know that sounds trite, but it’s a hugely impactful thing when we do this. And here’s the thing. We need to do it in writing. Thinking of each good thing in our lives, past and present, writing it down, then reading it out aloud to ourselves creates a powerful dynamic that ‘resets’ our brains. Whether we feel down, overwhelmed, miserable or depressed, there is always something, if we look hard enough that is good. And by the way, this post by Julie Hruska is very appropriate. As is this one by Graham Lutz - it could be the best thing you do today.

2. Put a smile on your face. Okay, I KNOW that sounds trite, but… it’s one of those odd things that really works. It eventually makes us feel like smiling and when that happens, we’re happier… more empowered… more optimistic.

3. Help someone else. Doing something kind for someone else is another powerful trigger. As we help others, without expecting anything in return, somehow, our own circumstances seem to take a turn for the better. Don’t ask me why… I don’t know. But I do know that it works.

4. Clear the decks. There’s nothing like clearing away outstanding work, tying up loose ends on tasks and having nothing urgent nagging away at us, even when we’re supposed to be enjoying a well-earned holiday. Now, for this one, it’s a little more complex. But… once again, I have a suggestion that will help all year long.

It’s a suggestion that works and I know this because I use it myself. So does our entire Optevo team and clients. You probably guessed it… it’s Optevo.

How is it going to help ‘clear the decks’? Because, it gives us back time. It prevents time wasted on clunky communications, too many work management tools, misunderstandings, searching for documents and data, and unnecessary meetings, just to get everyone up-to-date on progress.? It gives us transparency, real-time and asynchronous communication, provides a single work hub (dashboard), provides easy access to documentation and data, and provides immediate, on-demand overview of workflow and task status. And here’s a bonus. You can use our starter account free!

I have only one more thing to say in this article, and it’s a question for you. How many of the points I’ve mentioned will you put into play this December? Do you put any into play already? If so, how does it work for you?? I’d love to hear about your experience!

#Leadership #StopOverwhelm