Productivity: Stop going crazy for the holidays

G'Day,

This time of year for all my American friends and clients seems to increase their stress levels and cause an amazing sense of overwhelm. I challenge you this holiday season to stop. Stop being so crazy, stop being so busy, stop trying to control everything and stop trying to make everything perfect. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for (not to resent everything we had to do to get to the Thanksgiving table).

This holiday choose to 'delete' instead of 'do'. What can you delete or delegate from your Thanksgiving 'to do' list? Can I make a few recommendations:
1. Get your lines dry cleaned... even better, have the dry cleaner pick them up and deliver them.
2. Pay a professional to clean your home for this event.
3. Buy your groceries online and have them delivered.
4. Create a simple menu that doesn't require significant time in the kitchen so you can enjoy your guests.
5. Ask your guests to help with the preparations i.e. bring a dish to share, set the table, bring flowers, make desserts.
6. Hire help for the day, ask a student or someone you know would benefit from some extra cash and hire their services for a few hours.
7. Create a 'buffet' instead of a sit down meal, take the pressure off and allow everyone to serve themselves.
8. Cook and prepare ingredients in advance so you have less pressure on the day.
9. On the day, get up a little earlier and meditate for 10 minutes. During this time take a moment to reflect on what you are thankful for.
10. Enjoy - being productive is not about doing more, it is about doing less.

Find the things that energize you the most i.e. spending time with those you care about, and do more of that!

One of the secrets of Super-Productivity is to do less, not more and have fun!