Now that we have officially embarked upon the holiday season, you might be finding yourself rushing from task to task—personal and professional—feeling a little crazed thinking about all the things you “need” to get done before the new year. But ‘tis the season to be merry—not crazy stressed out, right?
Stop for a moment and think about how you really want to show up over the next few weeks.
As a harried, stressed-out individual who is already too busy to accomplish—or enjoy—anything before the day has even begun? Probably not.
Or would you rather show up as a leader who works effectively through and takes joy in all of the merriment and activity that gets condensed into this last month of the year?
To help slow the crazy rush of time, I often counsel leaders to start “being” before they start “doing.” By increasing your awareness of who you are at your most effective (and merry) you prime yourself to put forth those qualities during life’s most anxious and rushed moments.
Before we get even deeper into the season, take some time to really connect with your own strengths and talents. Find your signature leadership presence. It will help you keep the qualities of being that drive your effectiveness and wellbeing top of mind—even in the midst of all the holiday chaos merriment.
I also recommend exploring your reactions to anxiety and stress. As I’ve written about before, most people exhibit distinct and unique patterns of behavior when they are in responsive versus reactive modes.
Make your goal this holiday season to exhibit a more thoughtful, responsive quality of being.
Photo Source: Doug Wheller
Kathryn D. Cramer, PH.D.
Founder and Managing Partner, The Cramer Institute
