Menu
Reflect, Unwind and Rekindle Your Magic
If you’re feeling burned out and ready to set yourself free from work, then you and I are in the same boat. Leaping straight out of the 2024 work year into a mental and physical shutdown is most appealing, but there is something more rewarding you can do for yourself. By setting time aside to reflect and debrief, you can enhance the quality of your rest, renew your life energy and get inspired.
The Art of Rest
David Allen’s 2001 book Getting Things Done is a productivity gem, but it also sheds light on maximising rest. Allen believes our mind is our most valuable resource but has limited energy.
When our thoughts are littered with concerns and unanswered questions, we cannot disconnect and enjoy the present. And if we’ve had a difficult year and fail to regenerate effectively, we may return depleted.
We must address or set aside the mental clutter of the past year so that we can completely immerse ourselves in a period of rest, emotional nourishment and inspiration. This way we can continue to make progress in our lives.
Intentionally Close the Year Out
These steps will help you be more purposeful about letting go so you can return to the most spirited and impactful version of yourself.
Prioritise
First things first, before hitting the road, prioritise your tasks to highlight what needs immediate attention and what can be put off. This way you can relax without feeling guilty or anxious and won’t need to scramble when you get back to work.
Reflect and let go
Next, it’s time to look back, acknowledge your wins, take accountability where necessary, and say goodbye to stressful thoughts. This may be the toughest part, but getting it right offers the ultimate reward of peace.
The first line of the Serenity Prayer may help you out… Please grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. As a mantra, let this help you find closure to what was a challenging year.
Express gratitude
When looking back, identify the things worthy of your thanks. Acknowledge the recognition and success you enjoyed, but also include the tough lessons and mistakes. Approached with ownership or without ego, the latter may develop into a strength.
Gratitude can calm you down and renew your perspective on the challenging scenarios you’ve encountered.
Discover purpose
Reflecting on the past year can help you re-establish the values that mean so much to you and give you clarity. It can help you re-ignite your purpose and direction, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with optimism and excitement.
Looking forward to something has been shown to reduce stress and boost the brain chemicals associated with motivation and pleasure.
Centre yourself
This process of introspection can help you become more mindful about the present. We recommend you write down your thoughts and feelings about the past year. This will help you work through your experiences and gain new insights.
We also encourage you to set goals for the upcoming year. Doing this while developing peace of mind will allow you to be less reactive about your objectives and more in tune with your values and passion.
Thank You for Partnering with us
To our clients, partners, coaches and service providers, as you prepare to take your break, we want you to know that you are valued and hold a special place on our journey. Change Partners has made a difference in 2024 because of your contribution. For that, we are deeply grateful.
From all of us here, we hope you find peace, rest, and inspiration. May you spend quality time with loved ones, indulge in moments of tranquillity, and discover purpose and new sources of creativity.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said… Rest is a fine medicine. We agree. May you enjoy it in abundance.
Wishing you a joyous and fulfilling holiday season.
Yours in Service & Gratitude,
The Change Partners team.
Les Weiss is a highly qualified executive coach at Change Partners with more than 20 years of experience developing leaders at board and executive levels. His challenging and empathetic approach to development supports his ability to create high-performing leaders and engaged organisational cultures.
Contact him at lesweiss@change.co.za or on 082 610 0122 to help you take your performance to the next level.
