It’s holiday season and the office is buzzing with talks of celebration, but there is still a mile high to do list of actual work needs to get done. It can be hard, but the key to staying focused before a holiday vacation is to set goals for yourself.

PLAN AHEAD AND MAKE YOURSELF A CHECKLIST

One of the best motivators is being able to check something off your list. Every type A person knows how good this feels, and this small accomplishment can help you stay focused before vacation. Creating a checklist of everything that needs to get done before the holiday creates accountability, and also gives you a list of small successes which you can check off one at a time. Instead of creating one looming requirement, break it up into more accessible goals.

For instance, if you need to create a report, perhaps break it up into 3 parts: 1) Gather data for report, 2) Create intro, and 3) Plug in data and write the body of the report.

TREAT YOURSELF FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Did you get through a good chunk of your tasks for the day before lunch? Go out and treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee or something sweet. Allowing yourself to indulge a bit will give you a break from office stress and help clear your head, giving you the ability to come back feeling refreshed and ready to work.

A recent study shows that employees who take short, frequent breaks during the workday have more stamina. It’s much harder to work for a long period of time than to give your body and mind a quick break. Something as simple as taking a walk around the office or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea will give you time to recharge.

SET A TIME TO OFFICIALLY CHECK INTO VACATION MODE

Okay, so you have to work for 3 days this week, but at 5pm on Wednesday, (or whatever time you set for yourself) you can officially kick back, enjoy a drink, and savor the holiday spirit. By giving yourself a deadline, you will force yourself to differentiate between work and holiday.

"Force yourself to differentiate between work and holiday."

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Think of it like this, if you work hard and get everything done before break, you have less to think about during your time off and you can truly enjoy the holiday with friends and family.

ONCE YOU'RE DONE, LEAVE IT BEHIND

The key to staying focused before a holiday vacation is to remember that you have to work now, but once you’re done, you’re done. You can leave work at work and enjoy the holiday. Focusing on the work at hand to ensure you have a work free holiday can help you complete your tasks and help you reach the finish line. Remember, as hard as it is, the end is near and the holiday is right around the corner.

Good luck!

A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.