Burnout is normal for this time of year. From EOY reports, pushing to meet those year-end goals, the kids' Holiday program... on top of the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Avoid these THREE common mistakes we tend to make this season to help alleviate stress and burnout!

1. Overcommitting:

Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean you have to attend every party, every gift exchange, or other gathering. Examine areas in both your personal and professional worlds that are optional, then determine the level of priority. Attending your daughter's recital may take precedent over the office potluck, or attending your Client Holiday Mixer may supersede the Black Friday sale. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to commit to and get creative - Maybe a Client Holiday Mixer could evolve into New Year Kickoff Appreciation Event, or you invite the neighborhood gals over for a gift wrapping party so you can visit while being productive. 

Quick Tip: Brain Dump all of your To-Do's and prioritize them by time commitment, urgency, others' involvement, and frequency. 

2. Focusing too much on the New Year:

This especially common especially for us in Sales who often prepare projection and strategy reports for December deadlines, but remember, what you do today can help determine the course of your tomorrow. While there is wisdom in planning ahead, the truth remains that we can't control everything - for, often times, what we envision and the actual results look very different in the end. Focusing too much on future plans can often lead to negating current deadlines and priorities. Today's "I'll get to it later" may never come - so be present, prepare with wisdom, and don't focus too far ahead to the point of getting unfocused on where you currently are.

3. Being Underprepared for the Season:

Let's be honest - time seems to be flying more quickly with each passing season. Have you ever gone into Hobby Lobby in September looking for Autumnal... *ahem* seasonal décor? You likely will find the pumpkins and pinecones have already been replaced with festive glitter and poinsettias.  I attribute this betwixting of time to the retailers. While the hyper-consumerism irks me a smidge, I'm learning to use the retailers' timelines to my advantage: "It's September," I'll think to myself. "What do I need to consider now to help prepare for the winter months?" Notice I said consider instead of do (Ref Mistake #2). If you live in a four-season climate, you'll anticipate a cold, snowy winter is likely coming... which means making sure snow scrapers work (trust me, you don't want to get caught with a surprise slush without one!), assigning an extra pair of shoes for the office, checking the kids' inclement weather policy to help prepare your employers. Those in the tropics may foresee an overwhelming season of travelers and the challenges that come along with it. For many of us professionally, Shipping product or traveling to a client during the winter is unlike any other season. Candidly, and importantly, many of us may anticipate a season of heavy mental health obstacles, which can affect many areas in our life. (Please consult your doctor for remedies and support)

Proactively and practically considering provisions for the upcoming season demonstrates, not only wisdom, but a keen awareness that your preparedness can affect others' expectations and experiences. Including yours. 

Quick Tip: Create or revisit a plan with your employer that determines an agreed course of action should any of the "anticipated unknowns" come about - school closings, extra long commutes, vehicles stuck, illnesses, frozen internet lines.  

As we close another year, may we all be mindful of how our decisions can affect our Joy in this winter season. If we remain "doing" in the present, while "considering" how it affects our future, we can better curate our steps of tomorrow without overcommitting. Taking good care of yourself is the best gift you can give to others! And because YOU deserve it, too!

Happy Holidays, AVIXA Friends! Cheers to you and yours!

xo Elissa 

As always, I love to hear what you have to add! Comment below. 

Elissa Payne is a Territory Manager for TouchView Interactive, and the co-Founder and current co-Leader of the AVIXA Women's Council Detroit/Toledo Group. She lives in Delaware, Ohio with her two amazing kids and office-mate, Duke, the loyal cocker spaniel. Please connect on LinkedIn at @elissatellsherstory.