As the end of 2011 dwindles we’ve come to the Holidays at full speed. Where did this year go? (Okay, I always thought that only old people said those kinds of things, now I realize I’m that person).

For some odd reason at this time of year I think I need to just put on the breaks and enjoy a couple of months of doing nothing during the holidays because I owe myself for working so hard during the year. In fact, from the week of Thanksgiving until Jan 2nd, I find it very challenging to stay motivated. I can’t help but wonder if my mother had something to do with this type of thinking (We gotta blame somebody).

Growing up, my mom would always go a little nuts around the holidays. For instance, on our birthday (I’m the baby of five) we knew it was a given: She would always let us stay home from school, we got to pick out our favorite meal for that evening (mine was bread and somehow, that hasn’t changed) and she made us our favorite desert. And even tho’ money was tight she always made a big deal of our birthdays and Christmas.

Somehow today, even though I’m older, I still feel some kind of entitlement on holidays. I have to motivate myself.

Having been allowed the privilege of working from my home office for the past several years I can honestly say I have never really had a problem motivating myself, staying on track, making the sell, and getting done what needs to be done. That is a requirement when you work remotely and requires much discipline. There are days when you have constant interruptions and can’t get anything done and there are days when you get everything done by noon. No day is really ever the same as the day before.

As far as our workplaces go, here are some great ways to keep our employees motivated during the holidays. But what if you are a lone ranger entrepreneur? Who’s going to motivate you? YOU are! Come on, “You can do it.”

So, as things slow down for me this time of year and since I’m departing into “new waters” in regard to business I have decided to work these items during this down-time:

• Brushing up on my skills - I have decided to go head-first into learning more about social media and online marketing and watch as many videos, participate in as many webinars, and read as much as I can to hone my skills in this area.

• Revamping and updating my online sites and profiles. I intend to build a website, re-vamp my blog, and all my other platforms.

• Work on personal projects. I am in the final stages of editing my dad’s book and I hope to finish that this week so I can get it off to the publishers. I also have two books that I’ve written over the past few years that are just sitting and I want to get them out to be published. It’s a perfect time to tie up those loose ends.

• Spend some much needed quiet time figuring out my next direction. We all could use a little self-reflection on where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s good for the soul.

Don’t get me wrong – I am no scrooge! I love the holidays. I love spending time with my family. I’m hoping to bring my daughter here for a two-week visit.  But I realize the importance of re-grouping and preparing for a new year!

Photo Credit: Mauivents