Letting Go: End the Year with Purpose, Not Pressure
With 7 more weeks to go till this year's end, I’m reminded of a client—let’s call her Sarah—a high-achieving executive known for handling complex projects. Sarah’s reputation for rescuing high-stakes, last-minute projects often worked against her. As a result, she was regularly handed troubled assignments to salvage client relationships, forcing her to sacrifice sleep, time with friends, and exercise. Even though she remained dedicated to family dinners, work often encroached on her evenings, leaving her physically and emotionally drained by the time the holiday season arrived.
When we started working together, Sarah admitted feeling disappointed. The holiday memories she’d eagerly anticipated were blurry from exhaustion. This realization was a wake-up call, sparking conversations about setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and embracing intentional choices to avoid burnout.
The High Performer’s Dilemma: The Never-Ending To-Do List
Many high performers face a similar challenge: their drive to excel leads to taking on excessive responsibilities, particularly at year-end when deadlines and project pressure intensify. The result? The joy of the season becomes overshadowed by a relentless to-do list. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, this time of year offers a valuable opportunity to slow down, recharge, and reconnect—if you give yourself permission.
The Cost of Trying to Do It All
Attempting to “do it all” often comes with significant personal and professional costs:
Leading by Example: The Role of Leadership in Prioritizing Well-Being
As a leader, it’s crucial to prioritize your own well-being and set an example for your team. A leader who lets go of non-essential tasks demonstrates that productivity and personal health are not mutually exclusive. By encouraging your team to identify and release low-priority items, you empower them to rest, recharge, and spend time with loved ones as the year draws to a close.
Creating a culture of well-being benefits everyone and fosters a healthier, more sustainable workplace environment. Here are some advantages of encouraging year-end rest and recalibration:
Well-being isn’t just an individual endeavor; it needs to be modeled from the top. When leaders embrace and communicate the importance of a balanced approach, they empower the whole team to follow suit.
The Importance of Letting Go
To avoid overcommitment pitfalls, take time to pause and reassess as the year comes to a close. This isn’t about lowering standards or abandoning ambition but about focusing on what truly matters, for you and your team.
Step 1: Reassess Goals with a Critical Eye
Use the following questions to evaluate both your own and your team’s year-end goals:
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Pro Tip: Add an extra 50% to time estimates for each task, as often projects take longer than expected.
Step 2: Prioritize What Truly Matters
Once goals have been reassessed, it’s time to prioritize:
Step 3: Communicate New Priorities to Your Team
As you adjust priorities, it’s essential to communicate openly with your team. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Step 4: Encourage Self-Compassion and Team Well-Being
Letting go of goals can be challenging, especially for high achievers. Here are some ways to support self-compassion and well-being for you and your team:
The Long-Term Value of Prioritizing Well-Being
As the year comes to an end, prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more intentional, balanced life. By reassessing and prioritizing, you create a sustainable path forward that aligns with your well-being and long-term career goals. Remember, high performance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most and doing it well.
In your leadership role, demonstrating this mindset can inspire your team to adopt healthier approaches. As you enter the new year, carry this focus on well-being with you and support your team in doing the same. In the end, both you and your team will benefit from a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work.
Your future self—and your team—will thank you.
If you’d like guidance on setting boundaries or identifying what truly matters, I’m here for you.