As the year draws to a close, our instinct is often to push through to the finish line. Calendars are full, inboxes noisy, and “just one more thing” becomes the default setting. But endings matter. How we stop is often how we start again, unless we take care to think consciously and prepare to do things differently.
This year has given us plenty to absorb. Political, social and economic events have been unsettling, distracting, and at times genuinely concerning. It’s natural to feel the weight of that. Perspective, though, doesn’t come from ignoring what’s happening, or pretending everything is fine. It comes from recognising what is within our influence – and what is not – and responding accordingly.
One of the most constructive responses available to us is proper rest. Not collapsed-on-the-sofa recovery, but deliberate, restorative pause. Stepping back enough to let thinking settle, to regain emotional bandwidth, and to return with sharper judgement. Rest isn’t indulgence; it’s maintenance. Without it, even the best intentions start to fray.
Small choices make a difference: closing the laptop earlier than planned, taking a walk without a podcast, leaving some space unscheduled. None of this solves the world’s problems, but it does help us show up more steadily for the work and people that matter.
Looking ahead, the new year will bring its own demands. Preparation doesn’t have to mean overwhelm. When you return, you might find it useful to explore our bite-size learning offers – short, focused sessions designed to support reflection, resilience and leadership capability without adding unnecessary load. We created them to help you think clearly about the work ahead.
For now, we’d simply like to wish you a genuinely restful break, happy holidays, and a healthy, grounded start to the New Year. We look forward to working with you again soon.
