Step 1: Acknowledge and Reflect

  • Accept that procrastination happens and explore the “why” behind it. May journal to find what’s at the core of things.

  • Common reasons: fear of imperfection, decision fatigue, or feeling overwhelmed.

  • And here’s a reflection exercise that might be helpful: "What’s the worst that could happen if I start now?"

Step 2: Prioritize What Matters

  • Identify what’s truly important: family traditions, meaningful moments, or key events. Maybe if you’re a fan of the movie, Moonstruck, someone needs to tell us a joke? Have some fun and lighten up?

·         Use a simple prioritization tool like the Eisenhower Matrix (which ranks tasks into 4 quadrants:

·         Quadrant

·          

·          

·         Tasks

·         Action

·         1

·          

·          

·         Urgent and important

·         Do immediately

·         2

·          

·          

·         Not urgent but important

·         Schedule

·         3

·          

·          

·         Urgent but not important

·         Delegate

·         4

·          

·          

·         Not urgent and not important

·         Delete

The matrix was developed by President Dwight Eisenhower, who used it to prioritize tasks as a general, NATO commander, and president. The framework was popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The Eisenhower Matrix helps us avoid the "urgency trap" by focusing on what will make us most effective in the long term. It can helpus improve your time management by distinguishing between urgent and important tasks. Try it.

 

Step 3: Break Tasks Into Bite-Sized Pieces

  • Divide large tasks like decorating or shopping into manageable chunks.

  • Set daily or weekly goals to create momentum.

  • Something we saw in our episode about Habits, just show up for 10 min of exercise instead of the 1 hour we “should” do.

Step 4: Create a Plan and Stick to It

  • Use time-blocking to allocate specific periods for tasks.

  • Incorporate flexibility to account for unexpected delays.

  • Include examples: “Monday = Card writing; Tuesday = Gift wrapping.” I can’t tell you how many grouchy nights I spent gift wrapping at the midnight hour during my holidays!

Step 5: Embrace “Good Enough” Over Perfect

  • Release the pressure to make everything flawless.

  • Share a story of how imperfection created a memorable holiday moment.

  • Here’s mine: every year I try to make the perfect Christmas morning waffles. I can’t tell you how years I’ve tried to get a Belgium waffle that is a bit crunchy and not soggy. I’ve tried mixes and recipes but have not succeeded as yet. Anyone got this one nailed? If so, send me your solutions before I resort to Eggos this year!

Step 6: Build in Me Time

  • Schedule time for rest, self-care, and connection with loved ones.

  • It’s incredibly importance to say “no” to over commitments. Yep, boundary setting – check out ep 39 if you’ve got trouble with that like most of us!

  • I know everything sounds fun and you “should” be social this time of year but at what cost? Declining with grace and negotiating an alternative that doesn’t over commit us is a real possibility.

  • Got the perfect way to do this: https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop#!/Me-Time-For-You-Gift/p/680583581

Step 7: Celebrate Small Wins

  • Let’s all acknowledge our progress to stay motivated and avoid falling back into procrastination. Let’s toot our own horn when this happens and say: Look at me, I’m doing less and it’s okay!!