I was working with a coaching client last week and he said, “I have to get all of these projects done by year-end.” Having just looked at the calendar a few hours before to set some realistic deadlines for my own team, I thought it wise to consider how many weeks there are before year-end.

As this client is with a university, and the university pretty much shuts down the week of Thanksgiving and then in mid-December right after finals, there are three to four productive work weeks before year-end for him. Although your organization might not operate on an academic schedule, you are probably feeling similar pressure to meet goals and finish projects.

So, given that the timeline is tight, how can you manage your work and personal commitments for the remainder of 2022? Here are some techniques that I’ve learned work well for my clients, and for the Concordia team as well.

At work:

• Study your calendar carefully. After you take out vacation days, personal appointments, and possibly a mild illness, how many actual work days do you have? What can you realistically accomplish?

• If you are going to miss any year-end deadlines, start communicating that now. Explain the obstacles you have encountered and have a workable plan for when you can complete the work.

At home:

• Set an achievable schedule for self-care and stick to it. Exercise, meditation, prayer, nutrition, and sleep schedules are necessary for a healthy you! If you aren’t making time for these activities, don’t wait for the new year to start being a new you. Introduce one of these to your life now. It will help!

• Learn to say no. A coaching client suggested this book about boundaries – it’s great: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life. If you don’t have time to read it, try downloading it as an audio book and listen when you are commuting, walking the dog, or making dinner.

• And don’t add financial worries to your list of potential stresses. Just like setting realistic deadlines for your work, set realistic goals for your finances. If your family gives gifts, make sure they stay within a reasonable budget.  

Looking at the weeks ahead and making a plan will allow you to finish the year strong.