Multi-tasking in the run up to Christmas
December can feel like the ultimate test of your multitasking skills - I mean after all, it’s meant to the most ‘wonderful time of the year’! The end-of-year work projects, personal commitments, and festive preparations seem to pile up all at once. Throw in family gatherings, shopping, and organising, and suddenly you’re juggling multiple balls in the air - and trying to catch them all without dropping anything important - I feel you!
But here's the thing: despite what we often tell ourselves, multitasking isn’t always the solution - especially when it comes to making it through this hectic season without feeling overwhelmed. From my experience managing multiple clients and projects at once, I can tell you that staying sane in this chaos requires a more strategic approach.
Here is my little early gift to you - it’s not 5 Gold Rings, but it is 5 ways to keep your focus and sanity intact during the festive rush:
1.Say No without Guilt
As someone who works with a variety of clients at any given time, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to set boundaries. With deadlines looming, it’s tempting to say yes to every request, but overcommitting can lead to burnout, stress, and even mistakes.
It might feel like you're being helpful by saying yes to everything, but honestly, saying “no” or “not right now” is a form of self-care. You don’t need to take on every task or attend every social event. Take a step back and ask yourself: Does this really need to be on my plate right now?
Sometimes, you can even delegate tasks or push them to a later date - especially at this time of year when it’s easy to get swept up in everyone else’s agenda.
2.Prioritise, Prioritise, Prioritise!
When you have multiple things vying for your attention, it’s essential to focus on what matters most. This is where I turn to my trusty priority list and a little bit of strategic planning.
First, break down your to-do list into categories. What needs to be done today? What can wait a few days? What can you delegate or get help with? For example, I prioritise client work by deadlines and importance, and then I look at personal tasks (like festive prep).
Here’s a trick I use: ask yourself the one-question test. If I could only complete one thing today, which task would make the biggest difference? Focus on that, and allow yourself to cross other things off later.
When you give yourself permission to leave tasks undone or incomplete, it’s like a weight lifts off your shoulders.
3.Be Realistic About What You Can Achieve
I’m sure you’ve heard people say “don’t worry, I’ll get it all done!” but we need to be realistic. This season can stretch even the most organised person. A major lesson I’ve learned over the years (both personally and professionally) is that it’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day, a week, or even a month.
For instance, if I have multiple clients requesting work during the same week (hello, pre-Christmas rush!), I manage my expectations by looking at the bigger picture. If I know I can't complete everything on my to-do list by the end of the day, I choose what absolutely needs to be done right away.
Being realistic with your time - especially when you’re working under pressure - helps you focus on what’s truly important and prevents that dreaded overwhelm.
4.Allow for Flexibility (and Breathe)
The reality is that life (and work) doesn’t always follow the schedule we make. I’m sure you’ve had a project or client request come in at the last minute when you’ve already planned your day - whether that’s responding to an email or fitting in a last-minute meeting.
It’s essential to allow yourself to be flexible and adjust when necessary. Don’t be too rigid with your plan. I’ve had plenty of last-minute curveballs thrown my way, and one thing I’ve learned is that it’s ok to pivot if needed. A little breathing room goes a long way.
5.Self-Care Is a Non-Negotiable
Amid the rush of work, shopping, festive prep, and everything in between, we often forget to take care of ourselves. But taking time for your health and well-being isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a necessity.
Whether it’s taking a 10-minute break between client meetings or scheduling a quiet evening in with a film and a festive tipple, make sure you give yourself permission to unwind. Trust me - clients and projects will still be there after you take that much-needed time out. And you’ll be far more productive when you’ve given your brain (and body) a moment to recharge.
“Talk to yourself like someone you love.”
How I manage multiple clients/projects during the rush:
As someone who handles multiple clients with varying needs, I’ve learned that each project and client relationship is unique. Some clients are more flexible, while others may need more immediate attention during this times. One thing that’s helped me manage multiple projects is clear communication and setting expectations upfront.
For example, if I know my workload is going to be tight during the season, I schedule client calls early in the month to review priorities and discuss deadlines. This way, there’s less last-minute scrambling and more clarity about what’s expected. Setting those boundaries and expectations early can relieve a lot of holiday stress - especially when clients understand that you have a full plate.
Summary: Embrace the chaos, but stay in control!
There’s no doubt that the festive season can be overwhelming. But with the right strategies in place - saying no when needed, prioritising tasks, being realistic about what you can accomplish, and taking care of yourself - you can tackle the busiest time of the year with confidence.
I’ve learned that multitasking may feel necessary, but focusing on one thing at a time, being honest with yourself about your capacity, and allowing room for flexibility are key to making the season work for you.
Feeling overwhelmed with everything on your to-do list? I might still be able to help you get a handle on things this year - whether it’s managing work commitments or streamlining prep.
If not now, let’s get ahead of the chaos and start planning for next year! Get in touch, and together we can create a strategy that keeps the overwhelm at bay.
So take a deep breath, stay organised, and make this holiday season less about surviving the chaos and more about enjoying it!
