Strategies for Recharging and Preparing for the New Year While Working Through the Holidays

Although I'm planning to work through the next two weeks, it's not out of a desire to prove my commitment to hustle culture, which I find counterproductive. Instead, I am deferring my time off to January, allowing my team to spend precious moments with their families during this festive time.

In corporate environments, there's often a struggle between wanting to finish last-minute projects before the year ends and just wishing for some peace until the next phase begins. I've chosen to see these two weeks in a new light — not as a time to intensify my efforts but to change the way I approach work.

The previous week prompted me to consider how I might deliberately use these remaining days of the year to lay a strong foundation for 2026. Hence, I’ve dubbed this period the ‘auto-reply season.’

Refining Plans and Processes

I am a firm believer in the power of planning, a value my career coach (who happens to be my mom) constantly emphasizes: 'Without a vision, people perish.' This biblical principle holds true universally for leaders. With parts of the 2026 roadmap already in place, these quieter days offer the chance to refine plans, pinpoint needed improvements, and adjust strategies.

Moreover, I am using this time to evaluate my daily routines and those of my team, searching for aspects that could evolve for greater efficiency. A component of this reflection involves drafting a list of key relationships to nurture once everyone returns, as well as identifying partnerships ready for growth in the coming year.

Acknowledging Industry Talent

Much like many fields, journalism thrives on talent. This quieter period is an ideal opportunity to take stock of those I admire in the industry—an important task too often relegated to the margins of a busy schedule. Recognizing peers and establishing connections is crucial for professional growth.

Embracing the Spirit of the Season

For those continuing to work through the holidays, it's vital to remember that this time of year is about valuing community in whatever form that takes for you. There's no necessity to rush toward an imaginary finish line. Often, a slower pace will suffice and be far more fulfilling.

This approach not only fosters a healthier work-life balance but also sets the stage for beginning the new year with renewed vigor and fresh insights.