List 5 things you are proud of (don’t rush it, take all the time you need).
Now 5 things you wish you did differently.
That’s all that is required to close this year really.
Feeling the pride of your accomplishments and creating a tad of positive tension to push yourself into your next chapter. Because right now, early December, between 360s, end-of-the-year reviews, office parties, and then planning the Holidays, your main priority should be to stay sane and collected.
Craycray December end-of-the-year…
Perhaps also the right time for self-observation and a commitment to less of it in 2025?
1/ Not voicing what is not working for you anymore
It is always a good time to rethink healthy boundaries, but in speedy accelerated December, it’s a no choice. First off, I invite you to observe when and where your “yes” or “no” come from a place of fear rather than leadership.
- Is this assignment worthy of your time, energy attention? In other words, is it a good investment in your future, career-wise, or even for your reputation?
Have a mental list of non-negotiables and what you can live with. And mostly, practice the art of “pause” before you make a decision either way. Taking the time to assess and come up with a plan = professional maturity.
This month’s mantra: If it is not self-respecting, then it is a hard “no”.
2/ Being afraid of renegotiating agreements
When something you committed to is not sitting well with you anymore, it’s time to negotiate.
Now, going back to what you promised to do is going to bring up a whole lot of mixed emotions: “I am not a quitter”, “I gave my word and it’s the honorable thing to do”, “I cannot let down people”.
All of this is valid and speak plenty of your ethics and personal integrity. But! If it comes at a cost for you, it’s a good time to reconsider.
- Is it better to do something reluctantly, half-baked, and let other priorities fall through the cracks? Or is it more honoring to find a win/win that gives everyone what they need?
Re-negotiating can be a pain, and yet, it is well worth the effort vs getting stuck with something that is not working, not to mention the hours of mental torture dwelling on it.
This month’s mantra: Yes to feeling bound by duty, no when it is an artificially created obligation that doesn’t create a win/win.
3/ Not knowing your limits and staying in your self-limitations
You need to monitor your “enough is enough”. Your frustration, anger and other resentments will let you know when you are approaching that point of no return.
Everyone has a tipping point, and it is easy to be convinced that you can do it all on your own, and that asking for help is for losers – but this is a lie.
- What are you trying to achieve? What can you do to get unstuck and not go into mental burnout?
Explore the different ways you tend to self-limit yourself. Unhealthy pride, stubbornness, impatience, … not your career BFFs.
Get to the root of this fear/belief.
Do you feel you would be seen as “weak” or “incompetent” if you ask questions? If so, reformulate your question to “can I pick your brain” and “in case I am missing something”.
You don’t trust a junior to finish a task? Sit with them and clarify the ask and expectations.
Shift perspective: asking for another point of view is a way to increase your visibility while positioning your expertise. Delegating is also exercising your muscle of leadership and management. Both worth the investment in time and in the energy of getting uncomfortable.
This month’s mantra: I invest my time and energy in what matters most for me, i.e. my longer-term goals.
Happy exploration!
Coaching Executives