Welcome to 2012.
By now, you have most likely returned from a great holiday in the sun (or snow, if you prefer the cold), and it will soon be time to get back into the full swing of things for the new year. Just this thought may remind you of the long list of things you want to knock off by the end of your first day. For the time being though…..hold that thought! All that R&R will have been pointless if you are tormenting yourself without even having started back!!
There is an easier and much more sensible way of ‘easing back into it’ that won’t kill you in your first week. Why not try to keep yourself from thinking about work until you actually return, until then YOU ARE STILL on holidays. Harvard Business Review writer, Peter Bregman has a 3-step plan to make the transition back to work easier.
1. Reflect on what traits you enjoyed about yourself while on holiday that make you the best you can be. Did you find that while enjoying a break and spending time at the beach, you were more patient, understanding or relaxed? Making note of these will remind you of who you are ‘at your best’. Incorporating these traits into your everyday, life will no doubt bring you greater success whilst at work!
2. Set a clear focus for the year, including the most important areas that you will dedicate your time to. This will allow you to filter out the less important things so you can focus on what is most deserving of your time.
3. Be productive and get going. For example, it’s important to block some time to attend to the backlog of emails but don’t get ahead of yourself and try to finish it all at once. Remember your area/s of focus and whatever doesn’t require your attention should be delegated or declined.
Just because you’ve been on a holiday, doesn’t mean you need to punish yourself when you return to work. That’s just crazy, YOU deserved that holiday! So, as you settle back into your routine don’t get distracted with the small stuff, remember what your goals are and gently ease back in. Don’t make last week’s holiday a long distant memory.
further information + official websites
Harvard Business Review – The Right Way to Come Back From Vacation
Image from Freedigitalphotos
