The holiday of all holidays is finally over. Christmas is the last holiday of the year, but the common denominator to”seasonal depression.” Christmas has attachments of entitlements and expectations that create burdens, normally beginning November 1st. Of course, Valentine’s Day has the same anticipation, but its target audience is comprised of one class of individuals looking forward to gifts. Christmas markets to all; free of race, gender, class, and age barriers (In some families, pets are included). The National Retail Federation estimated that more than $470 billion dollars were spent on Christmas gifts this year alone in the United States. An average of $942 per household. Wow! Talk about spreading the joy.
The phrase “holiday blues” doesn’t necessarily mean depression. It could equate to an overwhelming feeling due to meeting deadlines, picking out gifts, entertaining guest, etc;. For the well-to-do, its a joyous occasion filled with strategic planning for the one day festive. On the other hand, the less fortunate are filled with stress and anxiety caused by a lack of funds and/or the fear of becoming a disappointment to others. Thankfully, December 26th comes to wash away those blues like a current swept along a shoreline and back into the ocean. Gone in a flash. Now, it’s time to recover mentally and financially. Take notes (mental or physical) of what you would like to accomplish for the new year. But first, rid yourself of guilt. If possible, return unnecessary items that were purchased. If you must give to others next year, look for items of value that you can re-gift. Look forward to saving money next year. Don’t take the stress of the holidays into the new year (Hopefully, a dent wasn’t placed on your bank accounts and credit cards).
January 1, 2018, begins a clean slate, succeeded by 364 days of freedom. That freedom starts with a magnetic mindset. Allow your mind to gravitate towards positive energy and thoughts. Inhale and exhale 2017 to approach the new year freely. Let’s go over a prep-list for 2018.
- Have you adjusted a compass for success? You have the ability to predict December 31, 2018. In order to accomplish your goals, you must see the end from the beginning. Speak it. Write it. You’re in control of your end.
- Are you willing to let go of dead weight? Closely analyze your boundaries. Evaluate relationships, habits, or circumstances that add value. If it doesn’t, let it or them go.
- How will you overpower expectations and entitlements for the upcoming year? A simple “no” should suffice. Often we muster excuses and disclaimers that aren’t necessary. And if that means stepping on feelings to release peace, then so be it.
- See yourself as an over-comer of everything that has the potential to cause stress? Victory generally begins on the battlefield of the mind. It’s a spiritual principle that has proven to be 100% foolproof. It works! As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
- Have you decided to do those things that give self-fulfillment? Your happiness is primary. If you’re not fulfilled how can you extend value to those around you? Make a list from the least to the greatest of the things that you love to do.
- Have you written your plan for success? If not, have you visualized it? Write the vision and make it plain. Plain means within the parameters of reality. You don’t want to write that you’re going to become a millionaire in 30 days. Make your goals realistic and attainable. Setting goals and checking off your list is vital. It creates accountability.
I’m excited about the new year and all that I envisioned that it’ll bring. In order to reflect back to a successful year on December 31, 2018, I must work diligent and consistent. I’m definitely up to the challenge. How about you?