Avoid the "New Year Scaries"
Avoid the "New Year Scaries"
... Start 2024 the way YOU want!
If you're like most of the people I've talked to in the last week, you are ready to be DONE. More people than I've ever heard are taking extended breaks, planning to not open email for weeks, and canceling anything "extra".
I absolutely feel this too! In fact, this is the last you will hear from me until after the new year! I'm taking the longest holiday time off I've ever taken and I won't be working directly with clients until January 8. And whew, do I need it!
As nice as it sounds to just pack up and be done, I encourage you to pause to set an intention for this time -- and to take some steps to ensure your transition back after the new year is smooth. I'm doing this today!
1. Set an intention
How do you want to feel? Joyful, Connected, Rested, Calm, Spacious
What do you need to do to make that happen? Cancel activities, Add Coffee Dates, Take a Nap, Clean off your desk
2. Block your calendar
Block your first day (or days) or first few mornings, as busy (No need to rush back into demands unless you have to!)
Plan your vacation days now: extend a holiday weekend by adding a Friday (there are 5-6 Monday holidays, which are opportunities for 4 days off = mini vacations!)
Create space in your days/weeks: Block your best time for you...no meetings until 9 or after 4, Monday mornings for planning, and Friday afternoons for wrapping up. (I hear you saying, yeah right Steph, AND this has been the single biggest impact activity for many of my clients. Even if you only keep 50% of the space, that's 100% more than you had before!)
And, a couple of permission slips for you...
You do not have to pack everything into your time off.
Extended time off does not mean you have to get all the things you didn't get done during the last few weeks (or year), unless you want to. It doesn't mean you have to clean your office, unless that helps you feel ready to approach the year. It doesn't mean you have to see everyone while they are off too, unless that supports your intention.
You do not have to have your plan, vision, word, or mantra on January 1.
Are you shocked at that thought?! Ha! Last I checked, no one is giving out an award for having that all lined up on 1/1... so, unclench about it this year and work on it when you can. For me, I've found my sweet spot for this kind of thinking to be the first few days my kids are back to school but things aren't quite full steam in the business (Jan 3-5 ish). So this year, I planned that time just for me!
The important thing about these activities is that you get clear on what you want to be awake to in the new year. You can do that over the long MLK weekend, the start of the lunar new year, or any random morning you have available. There's no special magic to January 1.
On a personal note, it's no secret that 2023 has "been a year" for me due to a vertigo attack and the cascade of challenges I've had as a result. I appreciate all the love and support you have shown me as I vulnerably shared what was happening on that journey.
I am healing from that event physically, mentally, and spiritually even now. The lessons to be learned are still to close and new for me to share, but if you know me at all, you know I will!