As we prepare for the holiday season and the New Year it can feel stressful and overwhelming. It doesn’t matter what holidays we celebrate as we all experience the bustle of getting ready and the anticipation of what our gatherings may bring.
Did I miss anyone on my presents list?
Do I have all the ingredients to make my assigned dish for the dinner?
Am I all caught up on my projects so I can take a few days or even a week away from the job?
Are my travel plans all set? Do I need to purchase any tickets ahead?
Did I finish evaluating my year-end accomplishments and am I ready to start the New Year with a bang?
Even these questions can rattle some leaders and upend their desire to kick back for a few days and enjoy some away time. So instead of looking at the holidays as just one more activity to check off our “to-do list”, let’s reframe our holiday lens. Let’s think of the holidays as a separation from one year to another and see how our family and friends can be the bridge to a New Year.
Six Reasons Holidays Help Rejuvenate Leaders:
1. IT IS A TIME TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE WE CARE DEEPLY
As we gather around with our family and friends, leaders are reminded of the importance of surrounding themselves with supportive relationships. It’s a two-way street as well because we are the biggest fans for this group too. There may be the occasional friction between some family members but for the most part we are feeling uplifted. We can sense a deep feeling of belonging as we are not being judged by our deliverables. We are accepted for the people we are.
2. IT ALLOWS US TO STEP AWAY FROM OUR DAILY ROUTINES
Leaving our offices and jobs behind to become part of a different world can help recharge our work batteries.
- Step away from your desk and projects completely
- Try not to talk about work too much
- Honor your separation from the work world by being present in the holiday time
- Avoid checking emails- they will be there when you return
- Breathe in the holiday excitement and treats
[Tweet “Leaders rejuvenate when they step away from their daily routines and enjoy the holidays.”]
3. IT BECKONS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE
For some of us the holidays evoke our spiritual side and we need to embrace that thinking power. Our spiritual parts do not need to be linked to any religion or religious practices but rather be more about connecting with a higher being or purpose. When leaders let their brains transcend the ordinary they drift and grow.
4. IT PROVIDES US WITH SPACE TO DREAM
Whenever I have the opportunity to distance myself from my everyday tasks and routines, I find that I am more likely to allow myself to dream. This happens for many leaders during the holidays because we are physically removed from our workplaces and find ourselves in a more relaxed environment.
- Reflect on where you might want to travel next
- Remind yourself of interests you would like to explore in the coming year
- Think about a personal project you have been putting off but now want to pursue with zeal
- Decide who you may want to connect with in the New Year
5. IT ENCOURAGES US TO PLAY
At many of our family and friends holiday parties there will be some game playing. Maybe charades. Maybe Pictionary. Maybe football. Whatever it is make sure to participate and laugh. By playing, leaders expand their minds.
[Tweet “When leaders play during the holidays with family and friends they expand their minds.”]
6. IT EMPOWERS US TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN THE COMING YEAR
Through connecting with our supportive friends and family, leaving our jobs behind, listening to our spiritual side, dreaming and playing, leaders will be able to re-ignite their energy levels and begin the New Year with new-found optimism and hope. Don’t let the your renewed strength and commitment go to waste. Use it to propel you into an exciting year ahead.
How do the holidays rejuvenate your leadership?
When I worked in an organization, I always made a point of using all of my vacation time. It was interesting to me that some of my colleagues used their leftover PTO like a badge of honor – as if working longer meant working smarter. Without time off, I would have burnt out. Time with family and friends outside of the office fuels us and is anything but a detriment.
Will share. Hope people far and wide read this and feel great about taking time off at the end of the year.
Alli
You have exactly the right mindset here because time away is a gift that recharges each of us. When leaders step back from their daily routines they gain perspective and new vantage points of looking at challenging problems. This “leaning back” can propel them forward towards greater innovation and risk-taking which ultimately helps them grow their careers.
Thanks Alli for sharing your insights and enjoy your time with family and friends!
I love all the points you make in this article, Terri! If we can find the time to “dream” and think about where life is going, it can be incredibly restorative. I’ve often found that if I don’t slow down at some point during the year (and the holidays are an excellent time to do it), I will move into the next year with the same mindset and expectations. The problem is that life changes around us all year long…what and where I thought I was heading one year ago, much less three years ago, is very different from where I want to head now…thanks so much!
There really is a restorative quality when leaders are able to “lean back” and just dream about their future direction and purpose. Our family and friends can be a great sounding board to share our next moves. They care about us in a way that inspires risk-taking and creative choices. So the holidays are a great time to share our dreams.
Thanks LaRae for all your wonderful ideas! Happy holidays!