Beat Overwhelm and Set Yourself Up for a New Year of Wins
I heard a funny thing the other day I think is quite true: December is the Friday of the year.
It makes sense: We’re winding down year-end, finishing up projects, scrambling for the holidays… and also looking forward to Q1. New beginnings. New quarter. New time clock. In December, we’re dashing for closure. For completion. For the next thing.
As you may know, I’m all about “starting tomorrow today”—organizing your space, brain, papers, etc., to hit the ground running when you show back up fresh on Monday and ready to work. The same concept applies to the year. How we spend the next four weeks (or so) can have a huge impact on how January, and Q1, goes.
So here are some thought-starters to get you going (and finished). Happy Friday of the year!
Small Steps Create Momentum
I’m coaching an entrepreneur who (right now) is struggling with the guilt of not being motivated to do more than sleep and binge-watch over the holiday. I get it. I believe in hardcore downtime. That’s all good. If you are struggling (or adulting-averse, no judgment), here’s how to not screw yourself over:
Make a list of the things you want to do and get done. This includes self-care. Keep the list handy and do at least one thing every day. Simple but effective. Baby steps count. One thing leads to another, and before you know it, you’re on a roll.
That’s momentum, baby.
Lynette-ism #14: Mastering the Art of Coiling… for What’s Next
You know those lingering tasks? That stuff you hate to do? Well, December’s a great time to check off a few of those boxes, too.
Success is often a function of doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, how it needs to be done, whether you feel like doing it or not.
Many times our feelings get in the way: the dread of untangling a complicated task, or fear of making mistakes, or frustration. Go ahead and acknowledge those feelings. And perhaps also think about how making headway will actually release them.
From there, look for a small first step, a tiny way in. Focus on one step at a time, followed by another, and then another. And there you have it again: momentum.
Be sure to give yourself a big round of applause when you cross that finish line.
Ponder these two key questions: What do I get if I do it? What do I lose if Idon’tdo it?
Cut Yourself a Break
If you’re not able to cross off all the things on your December list, don’t worry.
I have a friend who makes a list of all the things she hasn’t had time to do in the year. And then she sets an intention to get them done in January.
Yes, January.
As leaders, our time-tables are sometimes arbitrary.
Not every goal you set absolutely must happen in December, do or die. A strong leader is able to take a deep sigh and allow their team a little sway for the win. In December, take stock of your goals and be clear on what needs to happen… versus what you’d like to happen. Set your team up for success.
This time is a gift to let go of all that does not serve you.
Reflect and Reconnect
You know all those amazing friends and colleagues you haven’t talked to in a while? December is a great time to make (or renew) connections that could help you solve business problems (and create new ideas and opportunities) in the New Year.
A simple text or phone call, a cheery email, an invitation to lunch in the new year: Think about the small ways you might reach out and get a conversation going. You’ll quickly rekindle your shared connection… and you could be a step closer to your next big thing.
Small steps create momentum.
Ready to get re-inspired and re-engaged? Reach out via email if you or your business could benefit from a little Wild Alchemy.
There are lots of ways I can plug in:
One-on-one consults
Speaking
Workshops
Training
And, of course, I bring services to help provide clarity and inspiration:
Creative Research (including research moderation)
Brand Strategy and Positioning
Audience Definition
Strategic Planning
Happiest of holidays,
Lynette