Work, Family, and Personal Growth During the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us, and for many women, it can feel like we’re suddenly thrust into the role of a circus performer, juggling countless balls in the air. Between work deadlines, family obligations, and the added pressure of holiday preparations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if I told you that this bustling time of year could actually be a perfect opportunity for personal growth and development?
As someone who’s navigated major life transitions, I want to share some actionable advice on how you can not only survive the holiday season but use it as a kickstart for your personal and professional growth.
1. The Art of Ruthless Prioritisation
First things first: not every holiday tradition needs to be upheld. It’s time to take a hard look at your to-do list and ask yourself, “Does this truly bring me joy or value?” If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. Remember, saying no to one thing means saying yes to something else - perhaps something more aligned with your personal goals.
Action step: Make a list of your holiday commitments. Rank them in order of importance and joy they bring. Be prepared to gracefully decline the bottom-ranked items.
2. Carve Out 'Me-Time'
In the whirlwind of holiday activities, it’s crucial to schedule time for yourself. Even 15-30 minutes a day dedicated to self-reflection or learning can make a significant difference. I’ve found that early mornings work best for me - there’s something magical about those quiet hours before the rest of the world wakes up.
Action step: Block out a specific time each day for personal development. Treat this time as sacred as you would any important meeting.
3. Make Personal Growth a Family Affair
Who says personal development has to be a solo journey? Share your goals and aspirations with your family. Not only does this create accountability, but it might also inspire your loved ones to embark on their own growth journeys.
Action step: Share one personal goal you're working towards with your family and invite others to do the same. You might be surprised at the support and ideas that emerge.
4. Embrace 'Good Enough'
Perfection is often the enemy of progress. During the holidays, it’s especially important to give yourself permission to do things imperfectly. That homemade gift doesn’t have to be worthy of a magazine spread, and your house doesn’t need to look like a showroom for holiday guests.
Action step: Identify one area where you tend to strive for perfection. Challenge yourself to aim for 'good enough' instead and notice how it feels.
5. Transform 'Dead Time' into Learning Time
Holiday travel and waiting in long lines don’t have to be wasted time. Use these moments as opportunities for learning. Queue up a podcast on that business skill you’ve been meaning to develop, or dive into an audiobook about personal growth.
Action step: Download a few podcasts or an audiobook related to your personal development goals. Have them ready for your next commute or while you're wrapping gifts.
Remember, the goal isn’t to add more to your plate during an already busy season. Instead, it’s about being intentional with your time and energy, focusing on what truly matters to you and your growth.
As we navigate this holiday season, let’s reframe our perspective. Instead of seeing it as a stressful period to be endured, let’s view it as a unique opportunity for growth and transformation. After all, if you can make progress towards your goals during the busiest time of the year, imagine what you can achieve when things calm down!
If you’re feeling inspired to take your personal and professional development to the next level in the coming year, I’d love to support you. Book a call with me and let’s talk about your specific circumstances, from there we can figure out where you ultimately want to be AND start to move you forward.
Here’s to not just surviving the holidays, but using them as a springboard for your best year yet!
