As we approach the close of 2023, it’s an excellent opportunity leaders to reflect on their professional journey and take learnings from the experiences of the last year. It’s often a time to celebrate the achievements and successes which all of the hard work has brought to yourself, your team and your business.
On returning to the UK after a decade living and working in Sydney, it was striking to notice the vast difference in our end-of-year experiences. For our friends on the sunny shores of Australia, December heralds a long hot summer break and the luxury of weeks of time to spend celebrating, socialising AND relaxing…nice!
Here, we often labour away right up until the last working hours and then travel up and down the country in wintry weather to spend time with loved ones. We may also spend time and energy helping others in our communities.
It’s a lot. And yet leaders, know that balance is critical for personal health as well as higher productivity levels and creativity in the workplace.
Wellbeing refers to our overall state which encompasses physical health, mental and emotional stability, a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and positive social connections.
As a leader, it all starts with individual well-being and being a good self-care role model for those you work with. Through modelling balanced behaviour, leaders create a positive workplace culture which contributes to increased employee satisfaction, retention and to overall organisational success.
Planning over the festive period for your wellbeing will ensure a good start to building sustainable energy levels for the new year.
Some questions to consider:-
- As well as family time, what personal time have you planned over festive period?
- What activities do you have the energy to fulfil during this time? What will you (and others) gain from these activities?
- Can you share responsibilities? How can others provide support? What do they enjoy/are they good at?
- Do you need to review existing boundaries and establish new ones at home as well as in work to create a better balance? Can you empathise and fulfil your responsibilities to others, while sticking to these boundaries?
- How can you manage your state better and bring positivity and energy to your personal and professional interactions?
- What self-care activities could you plan now to ensure that you not only start the new year with renewed energy but that this is sustainable?
- How will you adapt your routine to incorporate some of these activities?
How can you prioritize the well-being of your team members? What initiatives can you get behind to support their mental and physical health and create a workplace that values and prioritizes the holistic wellness of its employees?
Some helpful tips
- Set realistic and achievable goals – be specific and start with small actions which are easy to complete and that will drive ongoing motivation.
- Consider your interests, hobbies, the ‘thing you’ve always wanted to try’ – you’ll be more likely to consistently do an action if it’s linked to a passion or interest.
- Invite external encouragement – consider who else you can get involved in your new activity (and hold you accountable!)
- Know your energy highs and lows and schedule activities accordingly – are you a morning person or night owl?
- Trial and error – not every action will work to your or others’ needs. Flex and adapt your goals.
- Find out your own personal boundaries and live by them. Set boundaries both at home and in work over what you allow to take up your time.
- Enhance your delegation skills; trust others with responsibilities that align with their strengths, seek to empower rather than control in work and at home.
- Manage your state – breathe, get out into nature and fresh air, meditate.
- Engage with a Coach – they can help you set boundaries and build self-care actions into your personal and professional goal setting and achievement – and they will hold you accountable for sustained success!
A New Year’s Resolution:
“I will prioritize my well-being by establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring a healthier work-life balance for sustained success.”
So what will you do first?
We hope you enjoy the benefits that some self-care will bring to you and those around you this holiday!
We offer individual Coaching to support you in gaining balance, setting boundaries and overcoming overwhelm and challenges for the achievement of your personal and professional goals. To learn more, please click here.
