When you think about the end of the year, or in career terms 4th quarter, your palms get sweaty… And you may start to think about all of your upcoming projects. Projects you need to get done in less than 3 months. But that’s not even half the stress! You also have to worry about all the holidays and family commitments you have during this time… So, let’s be honest, this is a very stressful time of the year!
And with it being the craziest time at work and home, it’s important to be organized! Especially, so you can stay sane.
Make timelines
With 4th quarter projects being some of the most important, you must ensure to keep track of them in a way that helps you be successful. And well, of course, finish them on time! Using timelines to achieve this helps you put each project in order from most important and time-consuming, to easiest. This way you stay on top of your projects in a manner that keeps you from getting distracted. And it helps you achieve your projects in a timely fashion.
Stay organized
At work, you need to stay organized. Keep your working space clean and hold yourself accountable for daily tasks and timelines. This will help you feel accomplish and keep you from wasting valuable time. Because as we all know, the 4th quarter flies by and you need to be ready for more work to be added to your plate at any time. So, if you’re organized, you’ll be prepared to take on anything and accomplish it during the 4th quarter rush.
Keep a to-do list
Keeping a to-do list year-round is a great idea! It not only helps you stay on track at work, but it helps you accomplish what you need to do off the job as well. During the end of the year with holidays every month, it’s important to keep yourself as organized and prepared as possible. A to-do list helps you hold yourself accountable as well as helps you from forgetting the little things that will turn into big things IF forgotten.
With this time of the year being crazy at work and at home, doing everything in your power to stay on top of it will help you conquer 4th quarter the way you’re hoping to.
Ask for help
When we get busy we get stressed out and sometimes we forget that we’re a part of a team. If things are just getting overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for help. Deadlines are daunting, especially in the 4th quarter. So, taking the time to realize where you are at in projects and realizing you can’t do it alone is not a bad thing. If anything, it shows how hard you’re working and that you really want to get this certain task done on time.
Asking for help shouldn’t be looked at as a negative. So, if you need it, make sure to ask!
Take breaks
Whether this is taking a Friday off just to de-stress, doing a weekend trip, or taking more breaks during work. This will help your productivity immensely. Everyone forgets that being overworked doesn’t mean better products. It’s actually been proven to decrease the end product of your work. Take your breaks! And enjoy them.
4th quarter is just one quarter of the year. And even though it’s usually the busiest, it can be the most rewarding. Especially, if you know how to stay organized and take the time for yourself and life. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to conquer the 4th quarter with flying colors and you may actually enjoy it!
