
Making Daily Habits Stick
As we head into the Christmas holidays—a time known for both celebration and stress—it’s easy to let our personal growth slip to the sidelines. The rush of end-of-year projects, family gatherings, and social commitments can challenge even the most well-intentioned leader.
But here’s the good news:
The holidays can also provide the perfect backdrop for practicing and solidifying the habits that support your CORE 4 Capacities:
- Connection
- Definition
- Integration
- Collaboration
In previous articles, we talked about identifying your growth areas and applying targeted strategies to strengthen them.
Now, let’s focus on practical ways to integrate these habits into the day-to-day reality of the holiday season. By doing so, you’ll enter the new year with a more resilient, effective, and grounded leadership approach.
Embed Core Practices into Holiday Routines
Between wrapping gifts, finalizing year-end reports, and attending festive gatherings, it can feel daunting to invest energy in new habits. But the holidays offer countless micro-moments to keep your CORE 4 front and center:
Connection Check-Ins:
Year-end meetings with colleagues before the holiday break provide a great opportunity to initiate meaningful connection. Ask a teammate how they’re feeling about the upcoming vacation or what traditions they’re looking forward to. A few intentional questions can strengthen bonds and remind everyone that they are more than their workloads.
Boundary-Setting in Busy Times:
Holiday schedules are hectic. Instead of saying yes to every invitation or last-minute task, allow yourself a single, firm “no” each week. For example, decline one additional project that isn’t a priority—or politely say no to an event that conflicts with your personal downtime. These intentional boundaries teach you (and others) that your time and well-being are valuable.
Honest Integration in Reflection Moments:
The holidays naturally encourage reflection on the past year. Use this time to acknowledge both the highs and lows of your team’s year. Maybe something didn’t go as planned—a project missed its mark, or a conflict went unresolved. Acknowledge the full picture, and invite your team to process the disappointments while also celebrating the wins together.
Collaborative Spirit in Festive Settings:
Holiday gatherings can turn hierarchical if we’re not careful—managers talking shop while junior staff stay silent. This year, try a different approach. At your office party or lunch, ask for everyone’s favorite memory of the year or invite a quieter colleague to share one success. By encouraging mutual participation, you reinforce collaboration and break down any “ONE-UP” or “ONE-DOWN” dynamics.