As the holidays approach, it’s very easy to get caught up in the madness. All of a sudden there’s a whirlwind of things to think about, like holiday get-togethers, gifts, money for gifts, obligatory office parties, and that extra five pounds sneaking up on you like a ninja waiting in the bushes.
The good thing is that you don’t have to let these things knock you off track when it comes to building your career and having a personal life. Here are three simple ways to keep your sanity and stay on the path of defining your career path during the holiday season.
1. De-clutter your mind.
Even if you’re not a holiday person, ‘tis the season to have everything thrown in your face all at once as you approach the end of the year on roller skates. Don’t get caught up in the hype. Use this time to reflect on your wins, mini wins, and areas for improvement. Give yourself permission to take a step back in order to move forward.
2. Embrace the word “no.”
The holidays bring out so many events that your calendar can easily get booked up. But that doesn’t mean that you have to say “yes” to every invite you get. If you find yourself being spread too thin, or using the word “busy” a lot, it’s time to re-evaluate how you spend your time (which is very valuable, by the way). Make sure you allocate time for self-development and relaxation. After all, a healthy mind is the start to making better decisions.
3. Don’t wait for the new year to start.
Instead of using the “new” year as a time to cram in all your goals, start taking little steps now. If you want to lose weight, start incorporating better habits now. If you want to get a new job, start preparing now. If you want to change careers, start transitioning now. If you want more time for yourself, make it now. No long-term change happens overnight, so be kind to yourself and realistic while getting your butt in gear.
So, yes, it’s possible to stay stress-free if you tune out the holiday clutter and make a conscious effort to be mindful as the year comes to a close (Friendly reminder: This can, and should, be done year-round.) Instead of getting overwhelmed, make this a time of reflection as you get ready for a new year. You can’t control the madness around you, but you can welcome the opportunity to find clarity in the whirlwind.