Guest Quarters: Leadership Lessons from the Ghost of Christmas Past - December 22, 2009In December, we are in the midst of the holiday season and its accompanying hustle and bustle. Even though the year is beginning to wind down, for many people, with our changing economy, the responsibilities of the holidays can cause added stress and worry. Here are a few tips to keep an attitude of gratitude and overcome overwhelm throughout the season: 1. Focus on What You Have. Last month, we were reminded by a holiday to give thanks for the many blessings in our personal and professional lives. From food, shelter and clothing, to the love of family and friends, to being able to see, hear and walk, take nothing for granted. Spend five minutes or more every morning acknowledging the blessings in your life. Write them down and then review them with gratitude before you fall asleep at night. You’ll sleep better and enjoy increased energy every day. 2. Use Your Strengths. Do what you do best and network the rest. Trade services or hire a professional over the holidays to help you find extra hours in your day. Professionals can help you personally and in your business. You can have someone help you decorate your home, prepare your holiday meals, take care of small administrative tasks, etc. 3. Be Santa Claus. Santa has a list and he checks it twice, so why shouldn’t you? Write down your tasks, including who you want to acknowledge this holiday season, as this will keep you organized and off the hamster-wheel of life. 4. Select Priorities. Before you start your day, decide which THREE tasks are absolutely MUST ATTEND TO items. Choose items based on their need, rather than by their ease or degree of enjoyment. Re-evaluate several times throughout the day. 5. Practice Saying “No”. Remember, every time you say “yes” to something, you quietly say “no” to something else. And, that something else can be your sanity during the holidays. Review your schedule often and politely decline taking on too many projects. 6. Ask for Help. The most powerful success strategy I can impart to you is to remember that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Have a get-together and wrap the night away. Organize a pastry party and bake cookies galore. Call up a few friends for an afternoon of shopping. Help is just a phone call away. 7. Celebrate Your Accomplishments Every Day. At the end of the day, sit down for five minutes to review just how much you’ve achieved. And, enjoy yourself – ‘tis the season to be jolly. May your list be long as you identify the many gifts, treasures, and blessings that have come your way this year, and may you keep an attitude of gratitude while overcoming overwhelm throughout the holiday season. Lisa Marie Platske, President/CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc. is a high energy, award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and author. She teaches professionals how to lead in their business and their life, turning possibility into profitability. Her book, Designing Your Destiny, is continually reviewed as “life-changing”. She is also the founder of the Leadership Success Summit. To learn more, visit Upside Thinking and sign up for her nifty, Upside e-newsletter, UpsideThinker.
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