Hustle Hard or Unplug? Christmas Disconnecting Hacks to Set You Up for Success in 2025

Hey Friends,

Christmas is here! 🎄 Time to chill, vibe with your family, and load up on gingerbread cookies. But let’s be real—if you’re like me (a teen entrepreneur chasing big dreams), the holidays can feel a bit tricky. Should we completely unplug or keep grinding? 

Spoiler: You can do both! 

This guide is here to help you strike that balance. You’ll learn how to fully disconnect while also sprinkling in activities to recharge your skills and inspiration for 2025. Let’s dive in!

Why Disconnecting is Key

As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves stuck in “hustle mode” 24/7. But here's the thing: 

Disconnecting doesn’t mean ditching your dreams—it just means taking a breather so you can come back stronger.

How to Unplug (Without Losing Momentum)

Taking a step back is not just refreshing—it’s a strategy for long-term growth. The holidays are the perfect time to step away from the grind and recharge—so you can come back stronger and smarter than ever.

Here’s how I do it:

DND Mode On

For most of us, our cell phones are like extensions of ourselves. We get constant pings, notifications, and messages that pull us back into work mode—even during the times we need a break. To fully disconnect, I turn on "Do Not Disturb" (DND) which turns off all the notifications. This isn’t just about ignoring the world, but more about protecting your peace. Your brain deserves that break. It’s amazing how much more present you’ll feel with family or friends when you’re not constantly checking your phone every few minutes. Plus, it helps you focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about what’s next.

Family First

The holidays are the perfect excuse to throw yourself into family traditions. Whether it’s baking cookies, decorating the christmas tree, or belting out Mariah Carey like nobody’s listening, these traditions are more than just fun activities. They’re reminders of what truly matters: connection, love, and community. These moments are what you'll remember long after the holiday season has passed, so give it your 100% and enjoy the moment. Put your phone down, be fully present, and let the laughter and love reset your mind for the year ahead.

Digital Detox

This one’s a game-changer. We live in a world that’s always “on,” and sometimes we just need to hit the pause button. Pick a day (or even a few hours) to go tech-free. That means no TikTok, Instagram, or checking your email, no using computer, tv, or even phone. Trust me, at first it’ll feel a little weird—maybe even uncomfortable—but once you get past that initial feeling of FOMO, you’ll start to realize how much mental space and peace you gain. The world won’t fall apart without your constant scrolling, and you’ll come back with a refreshed perspective.

Journal Your Joy

Make space for reflection. One of my favorite ways to unplug and gain clarity is through journaling. During the holidays, take a moment to reflect on what made you happy this year and what you’re grateful for (i.e. starting university, good home, family, etc). Then, jot down your hopes and goals for next year. It’s not about making New Year’s resolutions but about grounding yourself in the positive moments that shaped your year. Reflecting on the wins, no matter how small, gives you motivation for what’s next. Plus, journaling helps you see things from a new perspective and gives your mind the space it needs to think creatively.

Sleep, Eat, Repeat

Okay, let’s be real: the holidays are the time to sleep in, snack on your favorite Christmas treats, and let your body recover. As entrepreneurs, we often hustle until we burn out. But the holidays are an opportunity to recharge and get back to your “true” full potential. Catch up on those Zzz’s, eat the cookies, enjoy the cozy vibes, and let your body rest. The energy you’ll get from a few extra hours of sleep is priceless, and it’ll help you hit the ground running when it’s time to dive back into work.

Recharge Your Brain: Books, Movies, and Shows to Boost Your Skills

Books That Level Up Your Mindset

• Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book is like a personal trainer for your habits. Small, consistent actions = big results.
• How To Talk To Anyone by Leil Lowndes: This book is like a social toolkit for mastering conversation. Simple, practical tips = stronger connections.
• The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay: This book is like a wake-up call for your twenties. Focused choices now = a more fulfilling future.

Shows to Inspire and Entertain

• Shark Tank: Real-life entrepreneurs pitch their dreams—watch it for lessons on pitching, product-market fit, and grit.
• The Playlist (Netflix): A riveting look at how Spotify disrupted the music industry with innovation and resilience.
• Suits: Learn problem-solving, strategic thinking, and how to keep your cool under pressure—all while enjoying witty banter.
• The Night Agent: A high-stakes thriller that keeps you on the edge. Tension-filled twists and nonstop suspense.
• Silicon Valley: A hilarious behind-the-scenes look at the tech world. Where Ambition and absurdity defines the startup chaos.

Movies for Big Business Vibes

• BlackBerry: A gripping narrative about the rise and fall of the once-iconic smartphone company. Lessons on innovation and competitive pressure.
• Bezos: The Beginning: A dramatized origin story of Jeff Bezos building Amazon. Inspires grit, vision, and execution.
• The Founder: The story of McDonald’s is a masterclass in scaling and spotting opportunities, but also a cautionary tale about ethics.
• The Jobs: A fascinating exploration of the tech pioneers behind Apple. Where vision and Innovation meet to revolutionize today’s digital age.
• The Social Dilemma: An eye-opening documentary on the dark side of social media. This showcases how youngsters get Addicted to social media which manipulates and influences their choices based on the algorithm. 

Build up Some Skills: Why Not These Often Overlooked but Essential Skills for Entrepreneurs?

It’s not all about the grind. The best entrepreneurs develop skills that may seem “soft” but are crucial for long-term success. Here are some that deserve your attention:

It’s not all about the grind. The best entrepreneurs develop skills that may seem “soft” but are crucial for long-term success. Here are some that deserve your attention:

Active Listening:

Why it matters: Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about truly hearing what others are saying. This helps in networking, customer relations, and team management.

How to build it: Practice paraphrasing what someone said before responding. It shows you’re paying attention and fosters trust.

Resilience:

Why it matters: Setbacks are inevitable in entrepreneurship. Resilience keeps you going when things get tough.

How to build it: Reflect on challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Use those lessons to stay motivated during future obstacles.

Storytelling:

Why it matters: Whether pitching to investors or selling to customers, a good story can make your message memorable.

How to build it: Practice turning everyday experiences into narratives. Share them on social media or with friends to see what resonates.

Time Management:

Why it matters: With so many moving parts in a startup, time is your most valuable resource.

How to build it: Use tools like Notion or Google Calendar to plan your day. Focus on high-priority tasks first.

Networking:

Why it matters: The right connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

How to build it: Attend events (online or in person), join relevant forums, and always follow up with new contacts.

Post-Christmas Plan: Recharge & Crush It

Once the festivities are over, it’s time to refocus. Here’s how to channel that holiday energy into crushing your 2024 goals:

1. Revisit Your Vision: Are your goals still aligned with your passions? If not, adjust them.
2. Plan Actionable Steps: Break down big goals into bite-sized tasks. Use a planner or app to stay organized.
3. Skill Up: Commit to learning one new skill in January (e.g., public speaking, coding, or design).
4. Reconnect with Your Network: Send New Year greetings to your mentors, peers, and collaborators. Relationships matter!
5. Launch That Idea: Whether it’s a product, blog, app, or YouTube channel, start with what you have and grow from there.

Final Thoughts

Remember, unplugging during the holidays doesn’t mean hitting pause on your dreams—it’s about recharging so you can chase them harder. Take the time to rest, reflect, and maybe even pick up a new skill or two while you’re chilling with hot cocoa. Trust me, even the smallest habit changes now can set you up for some big wins next year.

If you’re vibing with this and want more tips, stories, and hacks to crush it as a young entrepreneur, join the Gen Z Entrepreneurship Guide. You’ll find relatable advice, real-life stories, and a community that’s all about leveling up together.

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