The year 2011 is almost in the books. It is hard to believe but at the time of this writing there are only 10 days left in the year. Many of us are already winding down and may even be on vacation. Some are already traveling to grandma’s house. No matter what is left on your 2011 “To Do” list I would suggest adding one more item: recharge your batteries.
As I’m writing this post, I’m fighting a cold. I’ve probably been running so much this year (starting a new business, trying to be a good husband/father with an increased travel load), that my health finally caught up with me. I was guilty of not recharging my batteries throughout the year.
Maybe the bears have it right. They hibernate during the winter. While we probably can’t totally shut down everything, it would help us to put our personal and professional lives in dry dock for a few days.
The next 10 days offer an ideal time to slow down. Whether you have to work or have the luxury of taking a few days off, I encourage you to slow down life’s pace.
Here are some things you can do in the next 10 days to recharge your batteries:
- Sleep late (and longer)—We are not getting enough sleep. Earlier this year, I blogged that “Sleep is a Weapon.” The principles in that post are never more true than the end of December. Extra sleep could even take the form of a nap (when was the last time you took a nap—and listening to a webinar while at work doesn’t count!).
- Play games with your kids—If you have kids, they need you. They need your time. Spending time with them communicates love. My proverbial work “to do” list always gets in the way of spending time with my girls. I need to turn off the computer, close the office door and go hang with my kids.
- Read a book—How many books did you read this past year (no, I’m not talking books about vampires or spies). How many business or self-improvement books did you read? As you wrap up 2011 I would encourage you to spend some of the upcoming extra time you might have curling up with a good read.
- Slow down work pace—The reality is many of us are still at work. We don’t have any vacation time away from the office. If that is the case, then maybe you can at least slow down the office pace just a bit. Have a little longer conversation with your co-workers. Spend some extra time goal setting for 2012. But no matter what you do, don’t rush.
So as we wind down, let’s recharge.
Think Huge!
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