You may be feeling a little challenged at this time of year – and not necessarily because of the shopping lists, holiday parties and requisite financial and gastronomic indulgences.
You may be feeling challenged by the fact that it is the end of another year. And while much has happened during this past 12 months, there may be goals (dare I say resolutions from last year?) that are left unmet.
And like a worn out department store Santa, you watch with chagrin as your unmet resolutions circle expectantly around the entire children’s section of Macy’s, waiting for a chance to sit on your lap and ask for more.
Maybe it’s time for Santa to take a little egg nog break from the flask he has stashed inside his beard?
And maybe it’s time for you to give yourself a break from declaring New Years’ Resolutions?
We all know that setting goals is great at times. If our goals are clear and we’ve taken the time to set ourselves up for achieving them by putting a support system in place, chances are good that we will achieve those goals.
But is the end of the year the right time to take goal setting on?
The end of the year is when we want to look back and see what we achieved over the past 12 months. This is a time to rest on our laurels and enjoy our family and friends. We deserve to relax, celebrate and count our blessings.
When we pile on a bunch of resolutions during this time of year it is like we are saying; “Ok, enjoy the next two weeks BUT starting in January – you better get your act together.” That’s about as relaxing as Santa’s Workshop on Christmas Eve!
So how about this for a set of resolutions? Self-care, compassion and a big fat break.
Your goals will still be there in February. And, if you give yourself the gift of relaxing now, you will have the energy to achieve those goals and so much more.
Coach Me Quick Tips for Giving Yourself a Break:
- If you have ideas for what you might like to achieve in 2015 – jot them down and save them in your calendar to review January 15th. Safely tucked away, they will not be forgotten – just delayed.
- Make a list of what you have already achieved and acknowledge yourself for all of it. You might break out a nice bottle of wine – this could take awhileJ
- Notice and acknowledge the growth and achievements of those in your friend and family group. Share what you see with the people you care about.
- Do something you NEVER get to do like sit quietly for 5 minutes, go to bed early or read a book.
- Remember to ask for help and decline invitations that stress you out.
- Remember; self-care, compassion and a big fat break.
Grateful in L.A.,
Jamee
Photo credit: James Vaughan via Compfight