Hey Achiever! 

Worried about staying on track with your goals during the holiday season?

As we embrace the holiday season, we’re in a time that is notoriously difficult to stick to habits and routines.  With that in mind, we can make adjustments to not lose sight of our goals while still making room for intentional rest and connection.  If you’ve worked hard to build meaningful habits, you might be worried about losing momentum. But here's the truth: your long term goals won't be made or missed in the next few weeks. What might be missed are opportunities to create memories that only come once a year.

In our push to stay consistent and keep moving forward (which I usually champion!), we sometimes forget our original ‘why’ that sparked the meaningful goals and who we hoped to become through new habits.  

Life's most meaningful moments are often found in spontaneous moments of connection, joy, and even – rest. So don't think of this holiday season as a challenge to your routines or an obstacle in the way of your goals.  Instead, think of it as an invitation to weave the magic of tradition and connection into our journey of personal growth and meaningful achievements.

I promise it is easier than you think!

The Magic of Intentional Rest and Connection

Have you ever tried to stick to a goal that was too strict, what happened?  Most people with an overly restrictive habit/goal start to fall off a little and feel relief that they are no longer complying with such a difficult task.  When this happens, people tend to binge often reversing a lot of the good work they had put in to their ultimate goal.

Since I advocate for realistic goals you are confident in, it should come as no surprise that part of the action plan is how to make adjustments and overcome obstacles.  When it comes to intentional rest, here’s what I want you to believe: taking intentional breaks isn't falling off track - it's part of the journey. 

Those moments when you choose to:

- Build gingerbread houses with your kids instead of hitting the gym

- Stay up late catching up with old friends rather than maintaining your sleep schedule

- Spend a cozy afternoon watching holiday movies instead of working on your side project

These aren't setbacks - they're investments in your well-being and your relationships.

Finding Your Holiday Balance

So how do we maintain our progress while embracing the season? It's all about flexible consistency. Here's what that might look like:

Instead of abandoning your habits completely, adjust them to fit the holiday season on the days you wont be able to maintain your normal routine.  Maybe your hour-long gym workout becomes an afternoon walk to look at holiday decorations with family. Or you choose to do your daily journalling with a cup of tea in the morning instead of reading or scrolling, because you have a holiday party after work and you know you wont want to do it when you get home.  

The key is to plan ahead for these moments, and accept that you aren’t sacrificing when you make these changes.  You shouldn’t feel bad about having to update a habit or its frequency when it is intentionally done to leave room for special moments. 

Have you said, ‘I regret missing a HIIT class to make lasting memories with my family. - Never!  

In the moment, it can feel like a difficult choice.  You might feel bad for not sticking to your habits and working towards your goals. Planning ahead will help, because you're making the decision when you’re logically looking at it, and not emotionally at the decision, which gives you time to accept the rationality.

Permission to Be Present

Right now, find a piece of paper and pen (or open a notes app).  Write this down: "I give myself permission to be fully present in this season."  Say it out loud, maybe a couple times, I know it feels weird, but think about what it means to you. How do you want to be present?

Let's expand on that. Write down:

• "I give myself permission to adjust my habits without guilt"

• "I give myself permission to say yes to joy and connection"

• "I give myself permission to trust that my goals will still be there after I make these memories"

This isn't just a writing exercise – it's a mindset shift. When we explicitly give ourselves permission to be present, we remove the mental burden of feeling like we're "falling behind" or "breaking our streak." Instead, we're consciously choosing to invest in moments that make life rich and meaningful.

We are NOT abandoning our goals, we are giving ourselves permission to not be perfect when it takes away from meaningful moments, but encouraging ourselves to stay on track overall.  What this could look like:

1.  We are not skipping the gym until January: we are being flexible with which days we can go in, if we have special events with the family planned.

2. We are not eating 10 christmas cookies a day: we are allowing ourselves to enjoy holiday parties without needing to bring separate proportioned food.

3. We are not going out drinking every night: we are staying at gatherings past our normal bed time to connect with relatives.

When you give yourself permission to be flexible, you are validating that your goals and habits are important.  You are planning so there is both room to enjoy the moment and make memories, while not abandoning your goals or reversing your progress towards your long term goals.

Making It Work For YOU

As you move through this holiday season, I encourage you to practice intentional rest and embrace a flexible approach to your goals (instead of abandoning them til January). Here are some simple steps to get started:

1. Reflect on Your Goals

Consider how you can adjust your goals to fit the season. What can you do differently that still aligns with your intentions and well-being?

2. Identify Your Non-Negotiables

What habits truly keep you feeling your best? Maybe it's your morning journal time or your evening walk. Keep these as constants, but be flexible with the timing and duration if needed.

3. Plan for Flexibility

Look at your calendar and identify the special events and moments coming up. Plan ahead for how you'll adjust your routine on these days, so you're making conscious choices rather than feeling like you're "falling off track."

4.Create New Traditions

Embrace the holiday spirit by making meaningful memories that resonate with you. Involve your family and friends in activities that allow everyone to slow down and enjoy each other's company.

5. Celebrate the Season and Your Wins

Acknowledge the effort you put in during this busy time, but remember that rest, joy, and connection are also achievements worth celebrating. Taking time to recharge isn't just nice - it's necessary for sustainable success.

Celebrate Your Memories, Not Just Your Milestones

This holiday season, remember that creating memories can be just as meaningful as hitting your goals. Don't beat yourself up for straying from your usual path; embrace these experiences! Share laughter with friends, create traditions with loved ones, and allow yourself to be fully present in the joy of the moment.

Instead of viewing this time as a setback, see it as an accomplishment that you can adjust your habits and keep your goals in mind while enjoying the holiday season.  Reflect on how these moments can enhance your journey and contribute to your growth.

You're NOT choosing between your goals and making memories - you're choosing how to weave them together in a way that works for YOU.  If you're finding it challenging to strike this balance, let's chat. I'm here to help YOU maintain momentum towards YOUR meaningful achievements while embracing the joy and rest this season has to offer.

Celebrating your every win,

Adrienne - Founder, Meaningful Achievements

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