Trying to Stay on Track During the Holiday Season - for Those Who Work at Home

Starting the week before Thanksgiving and going through to the first week of the new year, I struggle to stay on task, on track and on top of work, family and other responsibilities. I'm absolutely certain I'm not alone. Oh, how I long for the days when I worked for the "others" and I could actually take time off to focus on holiday season responsibilities! Alas, the reality of running my own business and working from home, means I have to shift into high gear when it comes to time management and productivity.

Like most people who work from home, or run businesses, income only comes in direct relationship to the productive work I do. I can't stop working and spend time cleaning, shopping, cooking, going to school events, etc. - in fact, this time of year requires a jump in revenue, if I can manage it. As much as I'd like to watch Christmas specials and bake cookies, somehow I have to squeeze that in around an increased work load. I know we consultants, freelancers and work-from-homers have a lot in common with those folks who work in the retail or holiday-related industries. This is the time to get moving!

Here's the tips that work for me in trying to stay on track and uber-productive during November and December:

First, I try to get a head start, my pushing myself to get a leg up in October or so, I not only start to build up additional work, contracts, projects, etc. but I also find I increase my capacity. Where before I may have gotten into the grove of only producing a certain amount, sending out 2 queries a day or whatever - I find by pushing myself and knowing that it's only temporary, I can actually create lasting change and up my productivity. I find it usually becomes easier to do more. And, if it doesn't, then I've got an end date in sight.