Pre-holiday Reflection

Wasn’t it just January? One moment we’re setting ambitious goals, and the next, we’re Googling last-minute New Year’s Eve recipes (spoiler: everyone loves deviled eggs).

You may be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by all the end of year pressures from budget deadlines to gift buying.

The Grinch side of you just wants to get out town, eat too many cookies and drink a pitcher of your favorite cocktails.

Take a breath. Time off is almost here.  

While you are taking a few deep breaths, consider gifting yourself with a mini-private reflection retreat. That may sound crazy when you’re already so busy, but the benefits far outweigh this small investment of your time.

Year-end is a perfect and critical time to pause, look back and balance your perspective. This small self-care step can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment as you close out your tasks, goals and projects. It puts you in charge of the inner dialog instead of your judgy brain and fluctuating anxieties summarizing your performance. It might just put you in a better mindset before you head out to face travel, relatives, weather issues and traffic!

So rather than bring your tired old burnt out self to the family holiday, a small amount of personal insight time will help you let go of work and experience more joy! It will also make you a far better companion for your loved ones as you enter their worlds and all the stressors they’re facing.

Sounds good but feeling too swamped for reflection? Between budgets, holiday staffing and last-minute gift shopping, it’s easy to push it aside. But here’s the good news: Great reflection can happen in just 30 minutes. Grab a coffee, a quiet corner and let’s dive in.

Quick Questions for Year-End Reflection:

1. What am I most proud of this year?
   • Did you take a risk that paid off? Maybe it was starting a bold initiative or leading a tough conversation. Pick out your 3 top wins this year.  Celebrate those wins.
2. Where did I grow the most?
   • Dr. John Townsend teaches that character development happens when we lean into challenges. Did a tough season stretch your integrity or resilience? Own that growth.
3. What lessons came from unexpected challenges?
   • Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Siegel’s research shows that our brains thrive on integration. By weaving together experiences—even hard ones—we grow stronger and more adaptive as leaders.

You Can Only Do So Much

Remember we can do only so much on our own power. Ask God to guide you through these questions and ask for help where you feel stuck, comfort where you are grieving and insights where you lack wisdom. These are some of my favorite scriptures when I need a fresh breeze to move through my soul:

Philippians 4:6-7 ~ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.”

Nehemiah 8:10 ~ “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

And remember, life, leadership and faith aren’t about perfection but rather about progress. Skip hosting that New Year’s Eve party if you’re tired—or host it and ask guests to bring the food!

Here’s to a new year filled with growth, grace, and plenty of laughs (because let’s face it, you’ll need them).

Cheers to you—you got this.

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