There’s always a point in the final days before Christmas when I feel the collective pace shift. The conversations get sharper, the emails get faster, and people who’ve been steady for months suddenly behave as though the world might fall apart if every loose end isn’t tied up immediately. It happens every year and most of the time it has very little to do with genuine urgency.
I used to get pulled into that rhythm without questioning it. Old habits, old newsroom conditioning, old expectations about doing the “right thing” before switching off. These days, I try to pay more attention to what actually matters and what can wait until my brain has space again. December clarity rarely comes from racing.
I’ve learned that last-minute pressure doesn’t create my best work. It creates rushed decisions, strange priorities and the kind of mental fatigue that follows me into January if I’m not careful. I finish the year feeling far better when I act early, communicate cleanly and then step back before everyone else hits peak frenzy.
There’s something grounding about choosing to finish the year at your own pace. I no longer feel the need to squeeze the final days dry. I’m not trying to impress anyone with my stamina. I’m simply trying to land the year without fracturing my energy in the process. It feels kinder, calmer and far more sustainable.
Over the years, I’ve watched plenty of business owners reach December on fumes, convinced they must push through because everyone else is pushing. I don’t buy into that anymore. I’m far more interested in ending the year with a clear head and steady heart than with an empty tank and a list I can barely remember writing.
So this weekend, I’m wrapping up what genuinely needs to be wrapped up, communicating what needs communicating and then stepping back. The rest can wait for January when my brain has thawed and my creativity feels generous again. Nothing meaningful collapses because I chose to rest instead of sprint.
Whatever you’re up to, have a gorgeous festive holiday. You’ll still be seeing these weekend messages from me – they’re all been written in advance and pre-scheduled, so my team and I can relax for a while. If you can, I’d highly recommend building in some chill time for you too!
Make the most of this opportunity to hibernate!
#UnleashYourAwesome
Taz X
PS: Three things you might want to know about while you’re exploring how to use your voice more:
• The Big One – starts January. Our 13-month spiritual empowerment journey. Ideal if you’re ready for deeper personal alignment before you step into another year in business.
• Heart of Speaking – May. Our award-winning three-day speaker training retreat. If you want to be on more stages next year with confidence, clarity and presence, this is where we build that foundation.