The Holidays can be a stressful time for many people – but they don’t have to be for you. If you take the three principles of Gumption (how you think, how you act, and how you interact with others) and apply them to your life, you’ll be able to Function with Gumption and get through this Holiday Season with more fun and productivity.
How to Use the 3 Principles of Gumption During the Holidays:
1. Mindset – How You think
Getting control of your thinking is the first step to Functioning with Gumption during the holidays. If the conversation in your mind is going something like this: I hate the holidays! There is too much to do. I don’t have enough time (or money) do accomplish all that I have to do … then you have my permission to shift your mindset.
It’s OK to say to yourself, “In the past I used to hate the holidays – not any more – now I love the opportunity to slow down from the routine and spend some extra time with the people I love.”
It’s OK to say to yourself, “I’m just going to do what I can and let the rest go.”
It’s OK to say to yourself, “I may not have enough time (or money) to do everything, but I know I have enough time (or money) to do what I want.”
Forrest Gump was not the type of man who let others determine his thinking. Forrest was his own man. You too are allowed to determine your own thinking. You too are allowed to be your own woman or man.
The Gumption mindset is one that takes personal responsibility for your own thinking. The holidays will be much less stressful (and much more joyous) when you allow yourself to be free from external perceived obligations and trying to fulfill the expectations of others.
Do you really care if Uncle Charlie doesn’t get a gift? Or do you think he really cares? Or would he think less of you if he didn’t get a gift, but instead received a random act of love?
2. Moxie – How You Act
So, the reality is we do try to do a lot during the holidays. Besides having to do our regular jobs, we often have extra work as the year comes to an end. Add all of the many family obligations, the shopping, the decorating, the baking, the etc., etc., and there is a lot to do. I get it.
So, the only thing you can do for your acting is to do your best. Some basic time management skills are extra important during the holidays.
- Making lists
- Prioritization
- Staying focused – do lots of single-tasking
Acting with moxie is being energetic. To remain energetic during the holidays, you’ll need to continue to eat and sleep and exercise at levels that will sustain your health … despite all of the ‘other’ stuff you’re trying to do.
Like Forrest Gump, take 100% personal responsibility for doing those things that you’ve decided to do. And forget the rest.
3. Graciousness – How You Interact with Others
In some ways, being gracious is both the easiest and hardest step toward Functioning with Gumption during the holidays.
It’s easy because you’re a human being. Deep in your heart, you know the joy you get when others treat you kindly, with respect, and with graciousness. And you know the great feeling you’ve received when you’ve delivered random acts of kindness and graciousness to others in past holidays. You’ve felt their kindness. You’ve experienced their joy from simply being gracious.
It’s hard because of all the extra things you’re trying to do. After standing in line for longer than you’d prefer, it’s easy to make a rude remark to the cashier. And when you’re stuck in traffic in the mall, the middle finger salute might seem appropriate – but it doesn’t do anything to advance peace and goodwill amongst men. Patience, both yours and others, is in short supply during this time of year. Being gracious will make you feel better at the end of the day – and will be remembered by others for the right reason.
So, are you willing to take control of your thinking, your acting, and your interacting during the holidays?
Are you willing to try Functioning with Gumption during this Holiday Season?
What other suggestions do you have to help create more joy for yourself and others during the holidays?
Next Blog Title: Function with Gumption Logo Revealed and Explained
Next Blog Date: December 1, 2011