December is here, and the year is coming to a close. As the season kicks into high gear and we’re juggling our professional lives with holiday parties, band concerts, and shopping, this can be the busiest month we encounter. These next few weeks will be hectic.

How will we make the most of these next few weeks and not let them simply slip by, both personally and professionally?

  1. Don’t Just Coast Into The New Year – First things first. In the midst of all the holiday festivities, it would be easy to write off December. “Everyone is distracted. No one is doing any real business.” Hearing that makes me cringe. You know who’s working in December? Ambitious people, the ones who want to get a head start in the coming year. Don’t get me wrong. This is a month that deserves a fair share of holiday fun and time for family and friends. That’s some of the most important time you’ll spend this month. Live it up. But don’t write off the whole month professionally. You have 31 one days – make the most of them on all fronts.
  2. Live in the Moment – With our time in December increasingly stretched, slowing down to live in the moment can be increasingly hard. If you’re enjoying the holiday with family and friends, then do that. Be in it 100%. If you’re in the office working, or spending time with clients, then do that. Be in it 100%. The best way to waste this month is to be distracted in the moment, no matter what moment you’re in. Things will creep in to sidetrack you, and while you’re at the middle school choir concert or out to dinner with friends, you might feel pulled in other directions. You’re going to need to be intentional here and make the decision to stay in the moment. Remember, these moments only come around once, and there are no redos for any of us.
  3. Take Time to Reflect – December is the perfect time to reflect. Think back on your year, looking back to where you started and reviewing how far you’ve come. Review last year’s goals, measure your progress, and start to set your new year’s ambitions. (Hopefully, this isn’t the first time you’ve looked at your goals this year.) Now is the perfect time to celebrate this year’s wins, and to consider your breakthroughs. It’s also an excellent time to think through the spots where you may have gotten stuck. The centerpiece of all your reflection needs to be gratitude. The past year probably had some raving successes, and you probably encountered some big challenges. In the midst of the highs and lows, a mindset focused on all you have to be grateful for is the key to entering the new year with momentum.
  4. Tis’ Better to Give – Whether you find yourself putting cash in a red kettle, picking up an extra gift to drop at Toys for Tots, or helping serve a meal at a shelter, giving is a big part of the December experience. Our reflection and gratitude should remind us of all we have, and shed light on those who need a little help. This isn’t a responsibility we should take lightly. Look for your opportunities this month and find a place to give that matches your personality and priorities. The options are endless. Do it as a family, as a group of co-workers, or play it solo and do it in secret without letting anyone know. Then, consider how to take it out of December and bring giving with you into the coming year.

The Takeaway

It’s December. It’s a month loaded with potential. Don’t waste it, and don’t let it pass by without taking full advantage of everything it has for you – use it to get fully prepared for an amazing new year!