If you’re feeling fatigued this December, you are not alone. But you don’t have to stay that way. Let’s check in with ourselves—how are we currently showing up during this last month of the year, and how do we want to show up at the beginning of 2022?
We don’t have to crawl with exhaustion nor race in a frenzy into the new year. We have the power to change our thoughts and feelings to create a better outcome.
The first step is to discern whether we are physically or mentally fatigued, or both. If our bodies are tired, we might need to get more rest or we may need to do something physically renewing like exercise, taking time for self-care, or eating healthier. You can talk to your doctor for recommendations to improve your physical fatigue.
If our exhaustion is primarily in our minds, we must change our thoughts to get a different result. Our thoughts are what we believe—the story we think is true. Thoughts create feelings, the emotions that fuel our day. And feelings of apathy, cynicism, or anxiety keep us in a negative energy space, where we feel constantly exhausted.
So, if you are ready to feel different, what can you do? One powerful thought-changer is to actively seek feelings of accomplishment. Spend time considering what you and your team accomplished this year. Make a list of difficult obstacles you overcame. Allow yourself to feel pride at a job well done. Communicate gratitude to your team, so that they also can be proud of what they’ve achieved.
As leaders we forget to celebrate wins, and we get so busy at year-end that it doesn’t take priority. We can change our energy and boost our team’s morale by not just celebrating the win, by also acknowledging the team effort that made it possible.
In addition to feelings of accomplishment, consider reflecting on situations from the past year that you are proud of, that were particularly impactful to you personally or professionally. Think about positive interactions you had with clients and team members. Allow yourself to dwell on situations where you were your authentic self, actively supporting others, and making a positive difference.
Give yourself the gift of self-reflection. It doesn’t require a huge sacrifice of time and it can reap huge benefits. Consider what you accomplished this year and what you want to focus on next year. Take 15 minutes over the next 4 weeks to sit and think about how you’re feeling, how you would like to feel, and the underlying thoughts which must support that. Invest in a journal and write down these memories for the future.
“Leaders have to take care of tomorrow. If I don’t, who will?” we say to ourselves. If you’re the leader, you also need to take care of yourself. Failing to do so can have a negative impact on the people around us. And investing time in cultivating positive thoughts and feelings will have an incredible positive impact on you and your team. So start 2022 off right, with a gift to yourself.
Additional Resource
- The Model is a methodology developed by Master Certified Coach Brooke Castillo. It describes the relationship between our Circumstances, Thoughts, Feelings, Actions and Results. Learn more about her research here.
We recommend working through this model & thought process with a Certified Coach. Click here to learn more about the coaching services from Jennifer Maxson & Associates.