As the holidays roll around, it’s common to hear the same advice: Slow down. Step back. Recharge. While this might work for some, what if the traditional holiday rest doesn’t align with your energy or passion? Should you really pause all productivity just because it’s December? Let’s break down the myth that rest and work need to fit into a neat calendar box and discuss how to align productivity with your energy rhythms instead.
The Problem with “Holiday Productivity Rules”
Let’s address the elephant in the room: not everyone thrives on the collective pause of the holiday season. For some, this time of year feels stressful, overwhelming, or just uninspiring. For others—like me—it’s a chance to reflect, plan, and harness introspective energy to lay the groundwork for big goals in the year ahead. Maybe you’re energized by the prospect of wrapping up the year strong or diving headfirst into planning for the next. The truth is, productivity and rest look different for everyone. The key is to honor what works for you, not what the season dictates.
Personally, I find the holiday season less about rest and more about reflection and preparation. While others might see working on Christmas Eve as workaholism, for me, it’s pure joy. I love my business and use this quieter time of year to set myself up for success.
The key takeaway? Ignore societal expectations about when you should rest or work and tune into what truly feels right for you. Because the issue isn’t whether you’re working or resting—it’s the guilt that comes from feeling you’re doing it “wrong.”
Align Your Work With Your Energy Rhythms
Instead of letting societal expectations dictate when you rest or work, tune into your natural rhythms. Do you feel energized in spring or more reflective in winter? I, for example, take extended breaks in the fall because I adore Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my September birthday. I plan my business operations around these preferences, giving myself time to rest when it feels right.
Matching your energy doesn’t mean frantic productivity. It means working in ways that feel aligned and sustainable. For instance, during the shorter, darker days of winter, I channel my introspection into strategic planning. This slower pace allows me to dream big without feeling overwhelmed.
The Systems That Make Rest Possible
Whether you’re working through the holidays or planning a well-earned break, systems are your best friend. Smart systems create the freedom to work when inspired and rest without guilt. Here are some ways to let systems do the heavy lifting:
Evergreen Funnels: I’ve set up evergreen funnels that nurture leads and drive sales without my constant input. Whether someone finds me through a lead magnet or an organic search, they’re guided through my value ladder seamlessly.
Content Planning: My Plan Like a CEO Playbook outlines what I want to promote each quarter, and my content—blog posts, podcasts, and more—is pre-scheduled to align with those goals. By batching these tasks, I save time and mental energy.
Automations: From welcome emails to testimonial requests, automations handle the busywork. This reduces my manual workload and creates a smoother experience for clients.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): These are my secret weapon. By documenting the exact steps for tasks, I can easily hand them off to (future) team members, saving hours of training and ensuring consistency.
AI Support: Fun fact: I recently trained a custom AI to help me with my podcast. This simple system saves me hours each year—time I can reinvest into higher-impact work or rest.
Redefining Balance and Productivity
True balance isn’t about working and resting in equal measure—it’s about alignment. True balance is about aligning your work and rest with your energy. If you’re energized by working on your business during the holidays, embrace it. If you feel the pull to rest, give yourself permission to step back. The point is to release guilt and lean into what works for you.
Here’s how to find your unique balance:
Ignore Societal Pressures: Work or rest based on your needs, not others’ expectations. This is your business—own your rhythm.
Build Systems for Freedom: Spend 15 minutes creating one small automation or writing an SOP. Future you will thank present-day you.
Plan Your Breaks: Look ahead and block out intentional rest periods that align with your energy rhythms. Whether it’s a weeklong break or a light-lift day, actually schedule it in.
Light-Lift Projects: Not every task has to be heavy. If you feel like working during the holiday season, maybe brainstorm new ideas, outline blog posts, or plan offers—whatever feels productive yet manageable.
Reach Out for Help: If your business feels unsustainable without you, consider systems or delegation. And don’t hesitate to explore coaching or tools that lighten your load.
Make the Holidays Your Own
The key to thriving during the holidays—or any time of year—is listening to yourself. Build systems that give you flexibility, honor your natural rhythms, and let go of guilt around rest or productivity. Whether you’re on the beach, brainstorming a new project, or sipping cocoa with a Hallmark movie, make choices that align with your energy, goals, and passions. After all, entrepreneurship is about building a life that works for you—not simply doing what you're told or what everyone else is doing.
So, what will you choose this holiday season? Whether it’s rest, work, or a bit of both, let it be your decision—and enjoy every moment of it. Here’s to a guilt-free holiday season and a thriving start to the new year!