For ten-and-a-half months of the year, this is me:
But as soon as Thanksgiving hits, I morph into something different:
Trying to get me to concentrate on anything is like herding cats. I give up on being productive and spend inordinate amounts of time watching cheesy holiday movies and skipping around through podcasts. I’m tired of the current year, but too exhausted to get excited about the next.
This is unfortunate, of course, because now is the time of year I really should be paying attention. I need to finish up Christmas shopping, plot holiday travel, plan year-end blog posts and 2018 challenges, read for book club, and somehow remember to slow down long enough to enjoy time with family and friends.
It’s also hard for me because I’m a big fan of finishing strong. But my creative writing has fallen off, as has my reading. I’m not doing as well with my 2017 reading challenges as I’d hoped. The world is colder and darker, things are slowing down, and I’m in a bit of a funk.
One of the my favorite lessons from Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant’s Option B is to think about the things you’ve done well, and the things that bring you joy. You’re supposed to note a couple of each every day, but I think it’s a great idea to reflect on larger chunks of time, too.
Things I’ve done well this year:
- Spearheading an advisor feedback program at my office. I just presented at a big meeting about how successful it’s been so far.
- Rolling over three straggler retirement accounts into my current 401(k). Very adult, and gives me such a sense of accomplishment and relief.
- Joining Toastmasters. I was scared, but I did it anyway. I’m actually the tiniest bit excited to give my third prepared speech in January.
And some things that bring me joy:
- My husband introduced me to Trello and I. Am. Obsessed. The lists! The check boxes. I can’t even. The man just gets me.
- Joining my first book club! Our conversations have been wonderful so far.
- Finally accepting that I’m a minimalist. I’m having fun finding out what that looks like for me.
What have you done well this year? What brings you joy? Share in the comments!
