Christmas and the New Year – A Time for Recovery
In my fifty-one years in the workforce, I have never seen people so overwhelmed, stressed, and overmatched by the challenges they face. Especially the most dedicated leaders—those with strong character and great capacity—are being asked to do even more.
We see that the top need of leaders today, more than ever, is increased mindfulness. Mindfulness arises from intentional pauses: reflecting on what went well and what could be improved, meditating, practicing yoga, driving with the radio off, or walking alone in the woods. These are not luxuries; they are practices that help us become the individuals and leaders we are meant to be.
Yet, during extended stress, our biology works against us. Hormones flood our system, narrowing our vision, tightening our muscles, and diminishing our creativity and empathy. We cannot access our best selves when we are in a constant fight-or-flight state. Mindfulness provides the opportunity needed to unlock our true potential.
A Challenge We See Everywhere
Many of our clients are so anxious and exhausted that they can’t see how to take time to recover. Some have taken on the workload of peers who were laid off. These are responsible, reliable, deeply caring people who fully dedicate themselves to their teams and organizations. And because everyone around them also seems overwhelmed, stepping away to recover feels selfish, if they can even find the time.
A Personal Story of What Recovery Can Do
Years ago, when I was the Executive Associate Athletic Director at the University of Michigan, I found myself spending more time with attorneys than I ever anticipated, negotiating coaching contracts, licensing deals, and marketing partnerships. One day, the pressure became so intense that even as a naturally calm person, I thought, I’m about to lose it.
I finally said, “I’ve got to get out of here.” So, I walked to Nichols Arboretum, a beautiful and peaceful escape. I didn’t analyze, plan, or try to solve problems. I just walked. I needed time away.
I was gone for about an hour. When I came back, something remarkable had happened: I couldn’t remember what had upset me so much! The problems were still there, but none of them felt impossible anymore.
To this day, I still can’t fully explain it. But the experience taught me something essential: Our brain recovers when we step away. Recovery shifts our perspective. It restores our clarity, optimism, and capacity.
The Gift of the Holiday Season – A Gentle Invitation
This is a time when we naturally focus on family and friends and give more attention to practicing generosity and gratitude. In doing so, we get a subtle yet powerful reminder: Caring for others is most effective when we also care for ourselves.
Stephen Covey’s Sharpen the Saw principle powerfully illustrates this truth. We can spend our days tirelessly cutting trees, or we can pause, sharpen the saw, and ultimately cut more trees with much less effort. Challenges are essential, but growth occurs during recovery. And as the holiday season begins, the question becomes deeply personal.
Your Strategic Challenge
- Will you give yourself permission to recover during this holiday season?
- Is there a practice you can begin—something small that could become a habit—so recovery becomes a rhythm rather than a rare event?
Your best self—your most present, clear, compassionate, and capable self—comes not from pushing harder, but from pausing long enough to recover and be stronger.
Next week:
I will share a personal Christmas story that was very impactful, powerful, and memorable.