Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Year End Bonus – Tips to Endure

Once again a year is coming to its’ close.  The harried hustle seems to be contagious and can be overwhelming.  Retailers are gearing up for the end of year sales push, businesses are pulling together the end of year numbers, people are trying to fit one more thing into their already crowded calendars and school children are counting down the days until winter break.  For those of us living in the northern regions, we are pulling on our winter coats and trying to remember where we put that other glove.  Every year this happens and every year we make it through.

This month, instead of a “Success Rule”, I thought I’d pass along some tips to get you through with your sanity intact.  If you have been a “Success Rule” reader, some of these might look familiar.  But it is nice to have them all in one place to remind you of their need, especially at this time of year.

1.     Laugh! – Watch a favorite comedy show, go to a card store and read the cards in the “Humorous” section, spend time with people who make you laugh, watch crazy cat/dog/people videos on YouTube, play dress up with a 5-year old, there are so many ways to tickle your funny bone and now is the time!

2.     Cry! – The holiday season is often a hard time of year as we remember years gone by and the people who are no longer with us.  Trying to be cheery and bright can be a tall order.  Let yourself cry.  It’s alright to allow those tears to well up and fall from time to time.  Even sob if you must, it is cleansing.  Then pick yourself up, wipe your nose and refer to tip number one.  Of course, if you are truly depressed, seek help.  Talk to your doctor or a trusted friend.  There is no shame in admitting that you just aren’t coping too well with life right now.

3.     Sing! – Who cares if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, sing anyway!  Everywhere you go at this time of year, Christmas music is playing.  If you don’t know the words, hum!  Need some cheer right now, how about Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeeror “I Want A HippopotamusFor Christmas

4.     Say No! – It seems that there are invitations to parties, family get-togethers, stores with that “Sale of the Year” that you can’t afford to miss, church events, cards to send, appointments to make, buying food, cooking food and, my favorite, eating food.   Nowhere is it written, or at least not that I could find, that you have to say yes to everything.   Do what you want to do and let the rest go.  Make a mental list, if not a physical one, of what is on your plate so to speak.  Prioritize the things that are most important to you.  If you run into a situation where you feel pushed to say yes, but would rather say no, be honest and say no.  A simple response I use is “I am sorry, but I can’t fit one more thing onto my plate right now.”  If someone is asking to spend time with you over the holiday season, and you would like to do that, suggest you get together in the New Year. 

5.     Give yourself a day off! -   Go to your calendar, date book, phone app or whatever right now, pick a day and mark it “My day off”.  Then stick to it! (See number 4 above)  That means, if someone asks you to do something that day, you say, “Oh, I’m sorry, I am already booked that day for something else.”  Of course, if it’s something you really and truly want to do, then do it as a treat to yourself.  Use that day to treat yourself to down time, do something you like, a hobby perhaps.  If you have a spouse and/or children, let them know it is your day off and they are on their own.  If you need to, go somewhere away from the stress. 

6.     Don’t Worry, Be Happy! – If doing numbers four and five seem out of your comfort zone, don’t worry, people will get over it.  If they don’t, they don’t.  In either case, do not allow others to steal your joy.  We are as happy as we make up our minds to be. - Abraham Lincoln

7.     Enjoy the sunshine! – Although the days are shorter, there is still some sunshine.  Perhaps not every day, but at some point, the sun does shine.  Get out in it whenever you can.  Too cold?  Open your blinds and just enjoy the view.  Remember, December 22 is the winter solstice.  After that, the days will start getting longer.

There are only a few weeks left in 2013, you may be surprised at how much better they can be if you follow these tips to endure and persevere.

Have a Great Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!  See you in 2014!


Executive Assistant
Leader Development Institute

www.LDiWorld.com