We’re in the throes of the final weeks of what is undoubtedly one of the most complex years any of us has ever endured – so it’s understandable that by this time of year, every Property Manager right now is feeling fatigued and on the countdown to Christmas/New Year closure.

For a lot of property managers, it can be tempting to simply slump across the finish line with the logic that you will have a break for a few weeks and come back to work refreshed and ready to hit the ground running in 2021.

Here’s three reasons to push yourself to finish 2020 at 100 percent and continue to work hard for these last weeks of December.

How you finish sets the tone for how you will start
If you feel burned out, un-motivated and quite simply ‘over it’, the work you are leaving behind isn’t going to magically disappear when you return to your desk in January. In fact it will do the opposite and begin to pile up to the point that you may feel completely lacklustre about your first week back in the office.  Do ‘future you’ a favour and be diligent about crossing tasks off your to-do list. In fact if you don’t have a to-do list – create one and set yourself some goals to ensure you are organised, on track and accountable for the successful finish you’re aiming to achieve.

Self review and look ahead to next year
Give yourself a mini performance review and take the time to think about what you did well during 2020 and where you could make improvements. What changes did you make in the PM department due to COVID-19 that you are now going to keep as part of normal business?

Property Management is a tricky enough at the best of times, but the constant changes to legislation as well as business and office procedures meant the goal posts were constantly moving. So how did you adapt to the changes? Were you ready to implement the necessary requirements, or did you find new challenges? The main thing is that you learned something that you will take with you going forwards and that you have identified what worked well and what didn’t so that you can make the necessary changes to succeed in the New Year.

Self care – enjoy your down time
Having a break is an essential part of being a successful property manager. Without rest and respite, you will inevitably burn out and that isn’t going to be productive for you or your employer. So take the time to enjoy all of the things in life that make your heart sing, and come back with a clear mind, ready to focus and hit the ground running from day one back in the office in 2021.