Staying Motivated Through The Holiday Season

I’ve spent the last week listening to the “All I Want For Christmas is You” Pandora station (don’t fret, I threw in the video below) and getting excited for the holiday season. The best part of my week was returning to Minnesota to celebrate Thanksgiving with family – especially my nine-year-old baby sisters.

When I kicked off this challenge, I knew the holidays were going to present a problem. It’s the time of year when people surround themselves with family and friends to unplug, relax and eat lots of good food.

I truly hope that you get to do each and every one of those things this holiday season. The challenge is figuring out how to relax and enjoy it, while still working towards your #TGIM12 goal.

While there is no perfect answer, my solution is planning, dedication and accountability.

Planning

When you plan ahead, instead of deciding to “fit it in” as you go, you’re much more likely to stay on track. Do your best to plan for all the hurdles you know you’ll have to jump, and even a few that you may predict will surface, before leaving for your celebrations.

For me that meant packing my running shoes, instead of my normal pair of heels, when I flew home last week. Much to my mother’s disbelief, I actually called her the week prior to see which gyms in town would grant me a one-week membership. I even made “running dates” with my best friend back home before stepping foot into the airport.

While these things may seem small, they kept me on track to meet my goals while I was at home.

Dedication

I hate to say it, but your goal will only be met if you tackle it with the dedication you had when you set it.

Simple as that.

No one can force you to skip cocktails with friends, a new holiday movie or a relaxing mid-day nap. Only you have the power to dedicate an hour or two to meeting your goal, knowing it will pay off exponentially once the tree is down and the eggnog finished.

When it gets hard to see the bigger picture, take time to visualize your end goal. It will keep you motivated and determined to plow through, while others have checked out completely.

Accountability

Nothing keeps you more motivated than accountability.

While some are good at holding themselves accountable, I think it’s most beneficial to find an accountability buddy that can help keep you on track. This is especially important during the holiday season, when your regular buddy may be in a different location or on a different schedule.

Plan ahead and make sure someone who will be with you during the holidays knows about your goal, and what smaller goals you need to meet in December. Then make sure to set up times to check in with them, so you can assess if you’re still on track.

Hopefully through planning, dedication and accountability, the holidays won’t leave you frustrated, sidetracked and back at square one, when it comes to your #TGIM12 goal.

All that said, please know that I cherish my family and down-time immensely, and am not preaching that your holiday season should be full of deadlines and personal ultimatums. Instead, I understand how easy it is to check out and not hold yourself accountable when your normal routine is shaken up – and that sometimes all we need is a little encouragement and a plan to keep meeting our goals among the chaos.

From one eggnog drinking, mistletoe hanging, carol singing fool to another – may your holiday season be filled with the gift of goal-getting hustle and an optimistic spirit that is highly contagious to everyone around you.

Update: #TGIM12 was a 12-week career improvement challenge, focused on helping participants meet one large, long-term goal by setting and accomplishing smaller weekly goals.

If you’re interested in participating now, you can do so by following the below 12-week plan:

Week One: Announcing #TGIM12: A 12-Week Career Improvement Challenge

Week Two: Setting Long Term Goals For Career Success

Week Three: Overcoming Setbacks To Gain Long Term Success

Week Four: Overcoming Instant Gratification Syndrome

Week Five: Color (Yes, Coloring) Your Way To Success

Week Six: Staying Motivated Through The Holiday Season

Week Seven: Why You Should Reward Yourself For Taking Risks

Week Eight: Utilizing Time Management As A Passion Barometer

Week Nine: Five Things You Should Add To Your To-Do List This Week

Week Ten: Enthusiasm’s Contagious. Have it. Spread it. Succeed!

Week Eleven: How To Complete Your Long Term Goals

Week Twelve: Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Dream Bigger,