As Christmas draws to a close, we tend to settle into a lazy lull waiting for the New Year to debut. Work is slow, healthy eating is put on hold and no one wants to put much effort into anything. This holiday haze isn’t all bad. It’s good to relax and live a little slower. However, slowing down to the point of turning off your brain can make the the new year feel groggy and disoriented. Make the most of this Christmas lull by tuning your mind to re-ordering itself.
I love the quote by Eddie Cantor, “Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going to fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” Take this time to refocus your mental game and remember where you’re going and why. I’m typically not in favor of New Years resolutions because they’re often forgotten by February. Instead I’m a fan of mindfulness and intentional living. Here are a few questions to ask yourself this week:
- What kind of person do you want to be? Are you on the right path to becoming that person?
- If your elementary school self could see you now, would they be proud?
- Are your daily actions generally true to the values you believe?
These can be difficult questions but it’s important to ponder them once in a while. If we never ask challenging questions, we run the risk of wasting years working toward goals that don’t really matter. But what if you’re suddenly realizing you don’t like the answers to your questions? Maybe try a few of these practical fixes:
- 1Write down your disappointments and victories. Are they personal or professional in nature? Be honest about the things you regret and celebrate your wins.
- 2Assess your relationships. Do the people in your life reflect your values or are they toxic? Are there friendships that are holding you back or dragging you down? Is there anyone to whom you owe an apology?
- 3Evaluate the way you present yourself. Do you make the right first impression? Are there areas you need to work on? Does your wardrobe reflect your professional goals or do you need to make some changes?
I encourage you to enjoy this holiday season and don’t let the Christmas spirit die as soon as the day has passed. Take extra time for self care and allow yourself to rejuvenate. Make this week a time of mindfulness and challenge yourself by asking the questions that we tend to ignore. I hope you’re all having a happy holiday season. May the New Year find you rested and reoriented!
