Perspective and attitude carry a great deal of weight when it comes to behavior.  Accordingly, I need to slow down and keep this in mind as we move into the month of December.  Of course, my tendency is to speed up.  I make a list… and check it twice… but my list is of all the tasks I need to complete before my next break.  Can you relate?

The problem for me is one of focus.  I try to “fit it all in” and “get it all done” looking ahead towards the light at the end of the tunnel.  Not only does this future-based orientation raise my anxiety and escalate my behavior, but most concerningly, it keeps me from living in and appreciating the present. 

Our family celebrates Christmas – but this year rather than counting down the days until the winter break, I plan to treat the entire month of December as part of the holiday itself.  My goal is to focus on the gift of the day-to-day journey rather than viewing work as something I must “get through” in order to enjoy the break that follows.  I’m optimistic this small shift in perspective will slow me down and help keep my Grinch-like tendencies at bay.

I hope you have had, and will continue to have, a blessed and happy holiday season.