The Christmas/New Year’s holiday season can be an especially challenging time for those of you who want to (or have to) work through it. It's not the easiest time to try to get things done.

For example, when you call your customers or vendors, you can’t reach most of them because they’re on vacation. And Good luck if you have a glitch with a computer system, software, or something technical – because help desks and support teams are typically understaffed during the holidays, if not shut down altogether.

But don’t despair. Peak performers have figured out how to actually use the holiday “slow-down” to gain momentum. Here’s a list of how many of them use the holiday “break” to their advantage:

1. Get Organized. A lot of peak performers use the holiday slow-down period to organize their workspace. They update their databases or filing systems. They reorganize their workspace to make it more efficient. The holiday slow-down allows them to complete these tasks without feeling guilty about using premium business-hours to do them.

2. Get Smarter. Many peak performers use the holiday break to upgrade their skills and increase their value. They take courses to learn how to use new software products, or how to use existing software products better. They also take classes on leadership, sales, or other products and services to enhance their personal skills. Since many of these classes are available online, they can complete the courses as it suits them best.

3. Get Clarity. Many peak performers use the holiday slowdown to re-evaluate their goals, measure their year-to-date performance, and make necessary adjustments. It’s a great time to sit with a cup of coffee and focus on what you’ve accomplished, and what adjustments need to be made to reach your goals.

4. Get Healthy. Sometimes peak performers drive themselves to the edge of poor health. They can be chronically tired, have constant headaches, or just feel lousy in general. The holiday slow-down is a great time to get a few extra hours sleep, drink more water, spend an extra thirty minutes in the gym, and allow your health systems to reset.

5. Get Caught Up. The holidays are a great time to get caught up on those low-priority tasks that eventually need to get done. Input those business cards into your contact database. File those expense reports that have been piling up for months. Catch up on assessments and reports. Update your benefits package information. Clear your inbox.

6. Get Ready. Peak performers understand the importance of preparation, and they use the holiday slow-down to strategize how to move forward after the holidays are over. They also prepare their workspace and position themselves to optimize their productivity come January 2nd. They subscribe to the four-second, eight-word seminar taught by entrepreneur TD Jakes: Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready!

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About the author:  Carl Prude Jr. is a Performance, Achievement, and Growth strategist who teaches people how to connect the dots between Career, Family, Faith, Experience, Community, and Opportunity. He currently holds positions with Centermark Enterprises and DirecTech Connect, Inc. For media or speaking engagements contact – www.centermark.org/speaking—media