Recharge This Holiday Season

Cathie Leimbach • November 29, 2022

Many people who are driven to achieve don’t make it a priority to rest, relax, and reflect. They are risking overwhelm and burnout rather than making a difference. Exertion, intense focus, and stress tire our bodies and our minds, negatively impacting results.  To be successful in reaching meaningful goals it is essential to step away from the treadmill of activity and hard thinking. Sprinters can’t keep running indefinitely.  They need to slow down and stretch their muscles.  They need to nourish their bodies.  People are most effective when they take time to recharge along the way.

To regain our creativity, motivation, and focus, we can:   

  • Rest by taking a break from activity or work and having peace of mind or spirit;
  • Relax by taking a break from work or stress to engage in an enjoyable activity;
  • Reflect on our progress by meditating on a thought, action, or idea to gain insights.

During the U.S. Civil War, Abraham Lincoln told stories. He went to the theater frequently.  He took time to unwind despite the turbulent times. Lincoln needed some relief from the stress he was carrying.

During World War II, Franklin D Roosevelt hosted a cocktail party at the White House every night. He insisted that there be no talk of the war despite the turbulent times.  The purpose of this event was to offer a mental break and an emotional recharge.

We are experiencing turbulent times. We need to recharge before the first business day of 2023. What are you going to do to recharge during this holiday season?  How will you rest and relax?  When will you reflect in preparation for a successful new year? 

Looking Ahead to a Fruitful 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • December 30, 2025
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action?  👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .