I posted a few days ago about how being self-employed means you can end up working more than you intend to, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. Although the day itself is over, we’re still officially in “festive season and our tree will stay up for another fortnight (more or less).

It got me thinking, though, about how many of us have actually had a break? I know some people have taken the opportunity to meet with colleagues and get a head start on planning for 2016, and others will be in the office this week.

I haven’t done any actual “work”, but I’m planning in my head already for my fresh start in January, and will be making lists, setting goals and writing down an action plan before the 31st.

I’ve made a list of blog posts to write, a to-do list for the first week in January and notes on things to research, as well as a draft of a new business idea I’m hoping to have ready for Easter. That’s quite a bit!

Why do we do this? There’s a lot in the press at the moment about how 21st century living creates more stress and an inability to switch off, as we’re all constantly setting unrealistic goals for ourselves. Sometimes demanding clients will ask you to work when you’d rather not, and you don’t want to say no.

However, I’d like to think that this happens because being self-employed usually means you’re doing something you love and have invested more into than just money. You want your business to be the best it can be and unlike a job, you don’t mind putting in the hard work at a time when everyone else is elbow deep in Quality Street.

I’m interested to hear your views – are you getting prepared for 2016 now? Maybe you’re sorted already, in which case I’m impressed!