3 Things to Remember in December
We’ve officially hit that time in the month when everyone is now responding with, “Let’s circle back after the New Year.” Honestly, I wrote that very statement twice this morning already.
And while most people enjoy the slowing down of the work tasks coupled with the thought of a little time off I know what leaders are thinking:
“I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done.”
And here is the honest truth: You aren’t going to get it all done. You just aren’t.
Work is still going to be there, and when you come back there will be no shortage of tasks that need to be accomplished.
So, as someone who has had over a decade of ridiculously busy Decembers let me give you three things to consider as you lead this month:
Prioritize your family. I know you know this, but I just want to give you permission. Block out the time, cut out of work early, and don’t worry about what other people think. You are the only person in the world that can prioritize your family. The long-term investment is much better than the short—term satisfaction of completing one more thing.
Prioritize the work that needs to be done. I had an old colonel who said, “Don’t drop glass balls.” And the implication was that when you are juggling the mission of work, identify the fragile ones. And when you are up against a time crunch, those are the ones you can’t drop. If you identify them now, you’ll save stress in the middle of it.
Remember the Light. As a Christian leader, the hardest part about the dark seasons of business is to pause and remember Jesus. Yet, the entire reason for the celebration of Christmas is the reality we are celebrating God incarnate. God in the flesh. Take some time to be intentional about pausing and reflecting. I recommend using John 1:1-5.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it!