“I’m counting down the days until Christmas”
“Not long now until Christmas, hey”
“Ergh, Christmas can’t come quick enough!!!”
Whilst none of us can argue with the fact that as of today there are two weeks until Christmas, what that two weeks ACTUALLY means depends 100% on your mindset.
Allow me to explain…
At about this time every year, I notice a pattern in the way people talk, think and act. Very often this means that people are actively discussing and somewhat consumed by Christmas, many weeks (and sometimes months) before it happens. Unfortunately, this too often is at the expense of our productivity and focus.
In many ways, it seems we all magically become exhausted at the same time of year. I find this a little hard to comprehend, given we all have different levels of energy, different intensities at which we live and take breaks at different points of the year.
And this ‘exhaustion’ becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you think you’re tired and waiting for an event such as Christmas, every inconvenience becomes fuel for your fire that you are glad that the year is coming to an end.
Yes it probably has been a busy year. But is that really any different to any other year?
A wandering mind is an unhappy mind
I remember as a much younger Michael, turning to my Dad on Christmas night and saying “Now Christmas is over, I can’t wait til my birthday!” (which is in March). Dad said “Mate, don’t wish your life away. Just enjoy Christmas”.
As I have grown older, I have noticed that this is something we are all guilty of doing. Does the concept of “I can’t wait until the weekend” resonate with you?
There is plenty of research which indicates that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Certainly the concept of ‘mindfulness’ is a buzz term at the moment and perhaps rightfully so, owing to its immense connection with being happy and fulfilled.
I think the frustration we can all feel and see around us at this time of year is partly owing to us taking our eyes off today, wishing for tomorrow to hurry up and arrive.
Time is in your hands
As a business coach the number one reason I hear clients use for not getting something done is “not having enough time”. Whilst there could be a number of reasons for this (perhaps for another Top Tip), ultimately our expression of time is all a matter of what we prioritise.
But the one thing that I can guarantee is that time never magically appears. Getting something significant done rarely consists of finding a few days hidden in the back of your diary, which you decide to fill with one solo uninterrupted project. Getting the ‘time’ you need isn’t rocket science. In fact, the three days you need to get your project done are simply the accumulation of the 1,440 minutes required to get it done. And that’s the beauty of time… it also never magically disappears! So next time you think that time has slipped away, consider that you chose to prioritise something else during those minutes, rather than losing time.
Depending on what took priority, this can either be a valid reason for not getting something done, or a bit of a wake up call that the time you crave is there… if you choose to take it.
The decision to find more time isn’t something mystical or grand. It simply needs to start with a decision to focus on as task of importance that you are doing right now and not being distracted by an event two weeks away or ruminating on something in the past that you could have done better. Such thinking left unchecked has the ability to eat up what perhaps is your most desired resource.
Unless you’re in the retail industry, Christmas doesn’t have to start now
I think it’s quite counter-intuitive that we all want more time and yet, now that we have it, many of us are wishing for it to disappear.
I’m not saying that it’s not a good idea to take a break, spend more time with family and get outside and recharge the batteries over the Christmas period (no matter how long that will be for you). Rest is a vital part of our balance and alignment for prolonged success.
For many of us, Christmas is an all too rare time of relaxation, connection with those important to us, reflection and “recharging of our batteries”. But Christmas is a day, and your Christmas holiday is merely a finite period of time. Regardless of this moment in the future, there are still goals you have, projects half-done and improvements to be made everywhere around you. Don’t let something in the future affect your ability to be ‘present’ and ‘effective today’.
Why not sprint to the line?
As one of my favourite sports coaches puts it “I don’t judge my players based on how fast they run over 100 metres. I judge them based on how hard they push during the last 10”.
With two weeks until Christmas, many of us have started to slow down during these last “ten metres” yet there is so much you can get done between now and Christmas, if you choose to.
But rather than wishing your life away, why not bring your life towards you, moment by moment.
Perhaps those magical days hidden at the back of your diary actually do exist!
Lean in, push hard, and value every minute. I guarantee the eggnog will taste sweeter and the break will be more deserved on the 25th.
Merry Christmas to you all!