What is your reason for the season? If you work and lead in retail, it can often be just to survive this busy season. For those in education, it is to just get to winter break. For some industries, they look forward to the manufacturing shut-down at the end of the year. For many not-for-profit organizations, it is the final rush to get donations. The weary look I see on many faces is that they are just trying to survive this season.
But my leadership wish for you is that you thrive this season and not just survive. Great leaders help themselves and others to thrive, no matter the current circumstances. If your reason for this season was to “thrive” and not survive, how would this look different for you? What would be your renewed perspective? I challenge you to change your outlook.
A survival mentality is focused on the future. It is to just get through the grind each day, so we can finally collapse at the end. When we reach the end, we then seek comfort and reward. So often this leads to over-indulgence, which we find does not really satisfy.
To thrive is to live in the present. It is to be full of life and abundant each day. Leadership and their teams who live like this are engaged and accomplish so much and enjoy it. So, how do we do this?
Thanksgiving – Each day is an opportunity to be thankful. What happened today that you can be thankful for? Keep a gratitude journal to write down what you are grateful for. Did you have your favorite cup of coffee? Can you see how a challenge in your day turned into an opportunity?
Help others – Changing our perspective to what others’ need can help keep us from a self-pity outlook. Often in this season as we are rushed, others around us get grumpy and complain too. As a leader asking others, “What do you need?”, helps others to get to the deeper issue of their complaints and can resolve problems faster.
Rest & Remember – I know that it can seem like there is no time to rest, but I encourage you to make rest a priority. Choose to put it in your schedule. As you rest, take time to remember. What do you enjoy most about this season? What memories of past holidays bring you joy? Why is this season important to you?
Intentional – Be intentional with your time. Don’t let circumstances or other people dictate your life. This is living like a victim. Instead, choose to be empowered. What are your priorities for this season?
Visit – The holidays are an opportune time to visit with others. We have work parties, school functions and family gatherings. Don’t look at these events from merely a “task” perspective of something you have to get done. Instead, let relationships be your focus. As you visit with others, cherish the person instead of just getting through the event.
Encourage others – This is a season for joy. Choose to encourage others. Sometimes this can be a difficult season for people. No matter what, we always have the opportunity to give the gift of encouragement. Encouragement is one of the most powerful leadership tools.
What is your reason for the season? Please share how you plan to thrive in this season.