As I’m sitting here on my sofa after much celebrating, visiting, baking, eating, and gift giving I am feeling fat, happy, relaxed and exhausted. It has been a wonderful time for our family and I feel incredibly blessed. I also feel super tired. When I asked my friends what they were doing for their holiday vacation, many were heading to the slopes for some family ski time. While the idea of heading to the slopes with my crew seems like fun in theory, the reality is I just don’t have the energy. I could rally to do something more ambitious, but I know that would be a mistake. I know it’s important for me and my family to rest and regroup no matter what everyone else is doing.
This is something I have learned over time. In the past I would have pushed myself to do something more. After all, other people are doing more, or so it seems from the outside. However, I’ve learned at this point that in order for me to enjoy my life and my work I have to respect my own boundaries. If I don’t take the time to recharge my batteries I know my mood and creativity will plummet and ultimately, so will my productivity.
If you work out at all, you know one of the best and most efficient ways to get a great work out is to do interval training. This is where you mix moderate activity with spurts of intense output. It’s actually way more efficient than a constant steady state of excursion. The same is true for working. If you just constantly push yourself without refilling your well, you actually are less efficient than if you can alternate your high intensity efforts with rest.
In addition to recharging your energy, it’s important to take the time to reconnect with yourself. If you are not operating from your core or your center, you can also start to lose your feeling of being grounded. I know for myself this manifests as a feeling of being on edge. I lose a sense of calm and focus. In terms of branding, when you lose touch with yourself your brand also suffers. What is at your core is what makes you and your brand unique. If you are depleted, more than likely you are not expressing your personal brand in the strongest, more effective and authentic way.
So, in this holiday no-man’s-land before New Years, take a little time to rest, relax, recharge, and re-brand, not to change your brand, but to revisit and strengthen your existing personal brand. If you do, you will start the New Year with vigor and a strong platform from which to spring into your next adventure. As for me, I know my couch time is valuable and the slopes will be waiting for me when I’m ready.
Speak Your Mind