As we head into the holiday season we are faced with many additional activities and events – parties, gift buying, concerts and celebrations. We are really feeling the pressure to give the perfect gift, to make everything look wonderful, taste delicious, and to provide the perfect experience for others.

Are you one of those people who is up until midnight baking or wrapping? Are you exhausted before your party begins? Are you standing in the same very long checkout line for the third time at the same store? Are in a crazed state trying to find the last copy of a popular electronic game?

The good news is that over the next couple of months I will be sharing with you some of my proven time management and stress busting strategies. Here is your opportunity to feel in control of your time, to have the time to really enjoy your family and friends as well as the time to focus on the real meaning of the holiday season.

This month, I recommend that you set up some time management and organizational systems. It is a wonderful time of the year to put these practices into place and to fine-tune your habits. Good time management is about having the skills and tools to keep your life in balance, to refocus when needed and to stay true to your own goals.

Here are some of my Effective Time Management and Organization Strategies which you can start using today!


Assess your life. What is the Big Picture of what you want? This is different from what you think that you should do and want. Rise above the chaos and decide what you really want in your life. This assessment will help you to focus your energy as well as improve your decision making. You will be able to make choices more quickly and easily when your schedule is being developed and when events arise (life happens!). By saying ’no’ it does not mean that you are difficult or uncooperative – it’s all about self-protection. Saying ‘no’ is recognizing your limits and being selective in what you choose to do.

You have the power to make choices and influence the way you spend your time. By taking back control of your time you will feel more deeply satisfied each and every day.


If you want to spend more time on your big picture priorities and gain control of your day more effectively, it is important to develop a system to keep track of everything that is bombarding you from all sides. The actual tool you use – e.g. day planner or electronic calendar – is one part of the equation. The other important part is the skill set with which you manage the tool.

Elements of the highly successful GEM system include: an up-to-date calendar, a master list of all of the items in your life’s big picture, weekly plans and daily to-do lists. All of these tools work in synergy with a combination of key skills which focus on planning your work and then working your plan.


Simplify what, how and when you will do your activities. For example, remove all of the non-priority tasks and events from your calendar. Make a comprehensive list of everything you need to purchase and accomplish. Shop early and at low volume times. Aim to visit the selected store/mall one time only. Wrap gifts as you buy them.

Consolidate your efforts so that you are most efficient. This strategy refers to completing similar tasks or types of work all at the same time. For example, set out specific times for card writing, baking, shopping, fun, social events. Curb needless interruptions by focusing on one specific activity at a time. Avoid the temptation to switch around and get distracted. You will be amazed by how much more you will get done!


We all have a time in the day when we are most energized and productive. For most of us, the strongest cycle is in the morning, the next strongest is in the afternoon and the weakest is in the evening. The key is to block off your high energy time to focus on your highest priority activities. Protect your ‘primo’ time. Do not let others take advantage of your best time to get things done. My experience has been that my whole day gets off to a great start when I can accomplish my high priority items in the morning. The day is already a success and all of the other accomplishments are a bonus!


You have a good sense of the big picture which you want to create in your life, your systems and skills in place, you have simplified and consolidated activities and you are claiming your high energy times of the day. Great!

The structures are in place for you to Do the Right Things Right. Do a great job where you do spend your time and energy. Really be present in the moment of what you are doing. Feel great when you are completing your holiday shopping. Really listen to people. Get out of the kitchen and socialize with your guests. Sing holiday songs with meaning and volume!

Love the life you have created for yourself!

This month you can find me at:


Re-Igniting your Passion at Work, Effective Teamwork Strategies, ‘Show me Balance, Take away the Stress’, Clearly Communicating What You Really Want and Effective Life Balance Strategies.

Fundamentals Course.





GEM Life Coaching & Consulting offers a variety of Services to everyone – both privately and for businesses.

Click here to read more on GEM Life Coaching and Consulting’s
Services and Workshops.

On Thanksgiving weekend our family coordinated a food drive. We are inspired by the generosity of our community. So many people took the time to help feed those in need. What particularly stood out was its affect on the young people. Parents had taken the time to teach their children about giving to others - the gift of thinking about not only ourselves but also of other people – even if we don’t know them. What an example these families are setting. When I witnessed a struggling family also donate food I felt great compassion as well as a powerful sense of hope. Hope that each act of kindness, big or small, will make another person’s life less challenging, less fearful and more hopeful for a brighter future.

How does giving to others fit into the big picture of your life?