The Christmas season is right around the corner.

Perfect day to look at the weeks ahead and get organized. 

I’ll admit, looking at my calendar and to-do list, I’m feeling overwhelmed. And when my schedule gets a little too full, I get cranky, anxious and more than a little irritable. 

I love Christmas. I want a December that is joyful. Fun. Filled with the Christmas spirit. But that goes out the window when I can’t find a parking spot at the mall, am late to an event or struggle to find the perfect gift for a loved one.   

I’m thinking I could use a little something-something to take the edge off. Keep me sane. Calm. And allow me to enjoy the holiday season. 

A Smart Little Time Management Tool 

A few years ago, I came across a very clever idea that may be just what I need.   

It’s a small habit that comes from a time management book called 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman. 

The habit is simple. Every hour, pause. Ask yourself 2 questions: 

1. Am I doing what I most need to be doing right now? 

2. Am I being who I most want to be right now?

 It only takes a minute. Two if I’m off track.    

Trying it Out 

I tried this out a couple of years ago. But I couldn’t make it work. Kept forgetting about it.

Recently I recommended this tool to a client. Got me thinking maybe I should give it another whirl.  

This time I have the perfect way to embed it into my daily routine. 

There’s a chrome extension I’ve been using for another habit. I can add this. Schedule the reminder. And a unobtrusive reminder pops up every hour all day long.

So far….. 

I’ve been trying it for a few days now. I’m prone to ignore it more than I should, so a bit of a learning curve.

I’m also experimenting with the timing. Maybe 2 hours would work better?    

Still figuring out the details.  

I’m optomistic. And I can see that if I keep it up, this might help ensure this Christmas season really is “the most wonderful time of the year”.