Last week I shared ideas on how to lead ourselves well during the Holidays. I’m continuing this week and as I said this is based on a series of videos I created last year, but the world has changed since last Christmas.
I don’t know if you’re like me, but life can get really crazy during the holiday season. There’s already expectations at work and at home, but then we pile on the often-unrealistic holiday expectations. Maybe a pressure to buy lots of gifts or excessive commitments to be at multiple events even in a time when gatherings are limited the pressure has gotten more complex. What can we do to help us with these expectations?
Even in a limited gathering time like this we still all have a lot going on, but maybe one of these ideas will help you adjust your expectations and maintain perspective during this time.
Community
This is a unique year in that we are limiting how much we gather, but we still need community. Community is connection whether in person, on the phone, or via video. People in our community can help us maintain a proper perspective. How do we build that community whether in person or otherwise?
Ask questions and be fully present with the other person. We’ve all done it. We are on the video conference or phone call and we only half listen because we are busy doing something else. When we are in person we look present, but mentally may be elsewhere. We were built for human interaction. During the holiday season take time to connect and listen for what other people need to understand appropriate expectations.
Realistic Goals and Expectations
Life is much different this holiday season than it was a year ago. Considering that, have we modified our expectations? We may not be able to get that perfect gift . . . and the other person may be ok with that. Chances are they care more about us being fully present with us emotionally than receiving a present. If gifts are important to those in our community, how could we provide them in a way that creates less stress while showing great love to those individuals?
Serve
A third idea is getting out of our own world. I know during the holiday season our family tries to find unique ways to help other people. In the past, we’ve delivered gifts or food to families in need. Also, we have gone to a place in downtown Indianapolis to wrap gifts for a community gift shop. Each of these ideas are ways we get a fresh perspective and help us be certain we have realistic expectations.
These were three simple ideas on what we can do to help us adjust our expectations and maintain perspective. As leaders when we have proper perspective and expectations we will be in a place to help those we lead do the same. Which of these areas will you engage with this Holiday season? Let me know and lead well.
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