Guest: Emma McQueen Executive Coach

Have you started to think about next year yet?

It is so easy to get caught up in the silly season and seamlessly slide from one year to another without giving it a thought. I urge you to take some time out to reflect on last year and plan for next year.

Surviving the silly season and preparing for the new year comes down to remembering it’s about moderation, planning and setting boundaries.

  • Don’t feel the need to say yes to everything

Manage your commitments and try to find a balance between work and personal life. Ensure that you take the time to schedule important work activities as well as personal ones. Don’t be afraid to say no to some things – especially those things that bring you no joy.

  • Take time to reflect on the year that was

It is so important to take time to reflect on the year that was. Acknowledge the wins, as well as the losses (I would rather think about them as leanings) and take note of them for the year ahead.

  • Start preparing for the year ahead now

Take time to start planning for 2019. Think about some of the things you can be doing to ensure you are ahead of the game. You could start by beginning to schedule in some regular meetings now; dentist, hairdresser, regular catch up with people you want to see more of.

  • Set boundaries

Set firm boundaries around when you are available and are not available. Doing so will help you relax when you are off the clock, while also helping to ensure that those around you do not have unrealistic expectations of you.

Emma McQueen is a friend of Kylie Butler, an Executive Coach and HR professional with extensive experience in the not-for-profit, mining, and corporate sectors. You can subscribe to Emma’s blog here: https://emmamcqueen.com.au/subscribe or find out more information about what she does here: https://emmamcqueen.com.au/