Returning to work after the holidays can be overwhelming. I certainly felt overwhelmed – and was not sure where to start to get back in the swing of things.

I don’t have all the answers. I will only tell you what I did – and I can say that it helped me.

• I closed my office door, sat back in my chair, and breathed. I asked myself what were a few important things I could do to help people – my clients, my team.

• I resisted the temptation to look at emails first thing, but instead, checked my weekly calendar, and scheduled out a very few important tasks. Not hundreds, just a few.

• Then I went through my emails, flagging for action important emails from team members and clients. I unsubscribed from newsletters and offers that are of no interest to me. I deleted unimportant items.

• Having done all the above, I went through the emails I had flagged, prioritized them, and scheduled myself to address my team’s and my clients’ needs.

By taking things one step at a time, compartmentalizing and prioritizing, I was able to position myself, not for being overwhelmed by the work facing me, but for addressing it calmly and productively.

So, as you look at the work piled up over the holidays, slow down and breathe. Take the time to think and identify the most important items on your plate.

Select – not a dozen, but perhaps 3 things to address today. And 5 to 7 to address this week.

What tips do you have on how to deal with returning to work after the holidays? Please click here to email me directly – I would love to hear about them.

Feel free to share this.

Until next Wednesday – be remarkable!

Cause a ruckus,

Eric