With the full holiday blitz just around the corner and all the joys and stress that come with it, some days life can feel a bit overwhelming. There are work events and home events. There are school events and neighborhood events. There are family expectations, and personal expectations. And, of course, there is holiday baking, decorating, shopping, and wrapping that all needs to happen in and around all of these things. In short, the wacky wild holidays are just kicking into high gear.
So, what is a leader suppose to do? The work deadlines and customer service stuff does not go away. If anything, it just gets a bit more nuts during this time of year. Next, staff schedules become wonky (a new, official consulting term), and everyone wants something so that they can keep everyone in their immediate and extended family happy.
After decades of doing this work, I am smart enough to know that there is no magic solution. There is no one thing that solves all such problems. However, there are some core practices that can help. First, turn to your faith and engage in daily prayer and meditation. Having a calm and quiet core helps. Second, recognize that physical exercise, even during the holidays, can help reduce the tension during high stress situations that often come with the season. And finally, practice gratitude and grace as you take each day and each moment that unfolds before you. Remember that everyone is doing the best they can with what they got and what they know.
The holidays are a special time. They can be the foundation for life long memories and connections. Invest your time and energy in making this holiday season special and meaningful for you and for those you love. And on the days it gets a bit crazy, step back, take a deep breath, and remember: This too shall pass.
I look forward to sharing many more Monday Thoughts with you in the New Year. Until then, I send you and yours my warmest holiday wishes.
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