The close of the year can be a chaotic time, with people racing to complete tasks and clear their docket before the holiday period. However, with some careful planning and prioritization, you can efficiently close out the year and start the New Year fresh.
One strategy involves curbing the natural impulse to complete as many tasks as possible before the end of the year. Instead, the advice is to note down all the tasks that remain and identify which ones absolutely need to be done before the year ends and which ones can be postponed until the New Year. The items that need to be completed will probably have tangible deadlines, like reviewing pleadings, or producing documents Above the Law.
The next step involves identifying tasks that don’t have to be finished this year but probably should be, which could include specific assignments or favorite projects that your management has given you. Discerning these tasks can be a bit trickier, but essentially comes down to determining if the deadline for them is arbitrary or not, and what is reasonable.
Managing expectations is another vital step. As the holidays approach, it’s good practice to inform your leadership and the clients you support about your planned out-of-office time at least a week or two in advance. This allows clients to ask for anything they may need before the end of the year and to establish clear deadlines.
To better manage your time off, use the out-of-office message function. This not only informs others of your absence but can also be an opportunity to emphasize the importance of rest and connections with loved ones.
While the end of the year can be a stressful period, it is also a good time for tidying up your workspace. Whether it’s your OneNote, your contacts in Outlook, or your files, both electronic and paper, organizing now can help ensure an easier future. Moreover, if you aren’t swamped with work, this could also be an excellent time to spruce up your career information, like your resume, LinkedIn profile, and bio.
By implementing these strategies, you can smoothly close out the year, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed while also preparing for the start of the New Year. Being prepared can help you recharge during your time off and be ready to take on new challenges as they arise in the New Year.