It’s better to burn out than to fade away

Hey, hey. My, my.

It’s that time of year when I wake up at 4 am just to get an early start on that to-do list that will never end. Clients reach out for help with things they’ve put off until the last minute. Seriously, some I haven’t heard from all year. Things I hoped to finish won’t get finished. Oh, and YELP won’t stop calling me.

Yes, this is the time of year I work to the point of exhaustion to take time off. This is the first year I’m reflecting on this and wondering, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

The reality is I really don’t take off that much time. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are total no office days, but the rest of my holiday break consists of formulating my own business plans, catching up on filing and list management, year-end accounting and doing whatever I need to do. I shut off all my regular work for almost two weeks. I don’t take meetings or regular work requests. I respond to all inquiries that I’m back in the office next year. Only emergencies get my attention. For some reason, this doesn’t feel the same a vacation. It’s a stay-cation and I don’t feel as confident in setting my boundaries with clients.

Why do I feel so guilty about this? Saying no to clients is really hard for me. I’m a people-pleaser. I’ll just admit it. I’m getting better at saying no, but when I do flex my no muscle, I cringe a little. It feels contrary to my character.

I have lots of goals for 2019. Customer appreciation, regular blogging and just added to my never-ending to-do list, getting over the guilt of saying no. Next year, when I’m in the countdown to break, I want the feeling of comfort when I have to say, “Sorry, I just can’t help you until after the holidays.”

What do you do prior to an extended holiday break?

And, I wish you all a wonderful holiday. Enjoy time with friends and family!

RESOURCES: Maria Forleo – How to Be a Class Act When Saying No To Clients