Why rest goes in first

When most of us plan the busy season, we start with the sales, the late nights and the extra stock. Rest is whatever's left over. And by the time we get to it, there's nothing left over.

Tess runs a homewares and gift store on her main street, and she loves the busy season. But every December used to end the same way: ordering squeezed between customers, wrapping at night, and Christmas Day spent answering messages.

This year, the first thing she put in her plan wasn't a sale or a late night. It was her days off. The shop closes 25 to 28 December, and her phone stays off on Christmas Day.

Once that was in, everything else had to fit around it. She said yes to two late nights instead of all of them. She moved ordering to Monday mornings. The busy weeks got easier, because they had an edge.

Why it works

When rest is fixed, your other decisions get clearer. You can't say yes to everything, so you choose what matters. Your team knows the plan. Your customers know when you're open. And you arrive at January with something left in the tank.

Try it this week

• Open your diary and block out your days off over Christmas and New Year.
• Add one half-day off each week between now and Christmas, even if it feels impossible.
• Tell someone, whether that's your team, your partner or your customers, so it sticks.

We'll do this live on Thursday. In Make the Busy Season Work for You (free, Thursday 29 October, 1pm Adelaide time), we'll book days off during the session, not after it. Bring your diary and your lunch.

Save my spot → https://www.yourbusinesscompass.com.au/busy-season-webinar