I’ve decided not to take any time off during the next two weeks, a choice that is often misunderstood in the professional world. This decision is not driven by an ambition to collect some figurative “hustle trophy,” nor is it rooted in any allegiance to hustle culture—a mindset that glorifies relentless work at the expense of well-being. In fact, I disagree with that ideology entirely. My reasoning is much simpler: I’ve chosen to defer my own vacation until January, allowing my team the opportunity to spend these meaningful days surrounded by those who matter most to them during the holiday season.
In many corporate environments, this period between mid-December and the New Year produces a distinct split among employees. Some are caught in a fervent desire to finish lingering projects—uttering phrases like, “let me just get this one thing done before the New Year.” Others, equally understandably, have reached a point of exhaustion and would prefer to mentally check out, declaring, “please leave me alone until 2026.” For me, however, the end-of-year stretch has evolved into something different—a time not to intensify the pace of work, but to reimagine and recalibrate it. I’ve intentionally reframed these two weeks not as a season of frantic productivity, but as an opportunity for strategic reflection and preparation.
Over the past week, I’ve been asking myself a guiding question: how can I use this quieter period to deliberately set up 2026 for lasting success? This internal dialogue has shaped what I’ve come to call my “auto-reply season.” It’s a time when inboxes slow down, meetings taper off, and I can truly think without the usual interruptions. Rather than viewing this lull as an inconvenience, I see it as fertile ground for planning, organization, and meaningful introspection.
As someone who genuinely thrives on structure and forethought, I can’t resist the art of planning. My career coach—who also happens to be my mother—has long emphasized a timeless truth she loves to quote: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Though its origin lies in a biblical proverb, its wisdom extends seamlessly into the world of leadership and professional development. Every leader, regardless of industry, must have a roadmap; vision provides direction, momentum, and clarity. Even though I’ve already submitted preliminary strategic plans for my team’s goals in 2026, this quiet period offers an ideal moment to revisit them with fresh eyes. It’s now that I can refine those plans, strengthen their weak points, and discover areas that may benefit from a more nuanced approach.
Beyond merely setting strategies in motion, I see this time as a chance to step back and reflect more deeply—on both my own work habits and the collective rhythms of my team. Reflection, in this sense, is far from idle contemplation. It’s an exercise in refinement: identifying which practices foster collaboration and innovation, and which impede them. I aim to create a list that highlights key relationships to nurture once everyone returns to full pace after the holidays. I’m also identifying which professional partnerships—both internal and external—could be strengthened or expanded in the year ahead. This deliberate thinking ensures that when the new year begins, our connections and intentions are both clear and purposeful.
In journalism, as in many other professions, talent and human connection remain at the heart of enduring success. This makes the end of the year a particularly opportune moment to look beyond one’s own immediate circle—to notice, appreciate, and even reach out to those professionals we genuinely admire. Too often, admiration and professional curiosity fall to the bottom of our endless to-do lists, dismissed as nonessential amid daily deadlines. Yet, taking time to acknowledge and connect with peers not only enriches our networks but also broadens our perspectives, reminding us of the ongoing creativity that fuels our shared industry.
For those who, like me, are continuing to work during the holidays, it’s vital to remember what this season is truly about. It isn’t just a stretch of days marked by deadlines or deliverables—it’s a period that celebrates community, gratitude, and meaningful connection, whatever form that takes in one’s life. Productivity doesn’t have to be synonymous with speed; fulfillment doesn’t stem from exhaustion. In other words, there’s no need to sprint toward some imagined finish line. A thoughtful, steady stroll will do just fine, allowing both mind and body to rest while remaining open to inspiration for the year to come.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/bi-today-saturday-newsletter-working-during-holidays-recharge-2025-12
