CPA Practice Advisor - 29

THE LEADERSHIP ADVISOR

Gratitude and Self-Care
During the Holidays
THERE'S NO DENYING that the holiday season is going to look a whole lot different this
AMY VETTER, CPA.CITP, CGMA

Mindful Technologist &
Keynote Speaker
@AmyVetterCPA

year. Without widespread immunization from Covid-19, which is still months away at minimum, mass travel and large gatherings will be limited. However, just because our holiday
calendars look different, doesn't mean the holiday spirit needs to take a year off. In fact,
two characteristics of that spirit, expressing gratitude for others and showing a little care
for ourselves, are more needed than ever-especially with regard to our professional lives.

Since at least March, this year
has been one of tumult, stress, and
unprecedented challenges. Many
of your clients have likely faced
existential crises this year, wondering whether or not their businesses
will be able to stay open amid the
pandemic. Your own firm may have
experienced similar pressures. In
spite of all these anxieties, though,
companies have come together to
weather the storm. Companies of
all sizes have relied on their team
members in novel ways and become
stronger units as a result. No, we
didn't ask for these circumstances,
but that doesn't mean we shouldn't

see the good in them. And it definitely doesn't mean we shouldn't
say a huge thanks to everyone who
helped.
Similarly, I'm willing to guess
that you've been extra hard on yourself this year, burning the candle
at both ends and doing everything
possible to ensure the livelihood of
your business. In these moments,
it's easy to overlook the essential
activity of self-care. Now, with the
holiday season upon us, at a time
when we traditionally slow down
a little, it's time to do something
nice for yourself and those you
work with.

GRATITUDE FOR OTHERS

SELF-CARE FOR YOU

All too often, when we thank our
coworkers for their efforts, we do
so without much thought. We say
thanks in passing or as a matter
of social etiquette, not taking the
time to really express how much
the contributions of others have a
positive impact on our own work
and the work of our businesses.
This year, when so many workers have sacrificed so much, it's
important to go out of your way
to make your team members feel
appreciated, even if it has to be
over Zoom, Slack, or email.
To do so, I recommend going
with the Thanksgiving standby of
asking yourself what you're thankful for this year. Ask the question
in light of each team member being
as specific as possible. Telling
somebody you value their work is
one thing, but mentioning how they
managed to soothe a client during
the middle of their child's temper
tantrum is much more resonant.
If you have a small firm, consider
creating personalized messages
for each team member. If you're
a larger organization, have team
leads handle the responsibility.
Oh, and if you can, maybe consider
throwing a couple of extra days off
everyone's way. They've probably
earned it.

While you're in the act of lavishing praise, don't forget to spare
some time for yourself. Just like
your team members, you've had
a difficult year. It's more than
likely that you've cut out some of
your favorite activities in order to
juggle working from home, dealing
with your family, and all the other
tasks that have been thrown out of
whack by 2020. It may seem like a
self-indulgent act to take time from
yourself, but it's just the opposite.
Studies have shown that self-care
actually increases productivity, so
now's the time to carve out some
into your schedule. There's nothing wrong, after all, with treating
yourself during the holidays.
Everyone's preferred acts of
self-care will be different. Maybe
you want to take a spa day. Perhaps
you prefer a weekend off spent with
good food and a good book. Whatever the case, focusing on your own
wellness won't just make you feel
better; it'll have positive results on
every aspect of your life.
The holidays will be different
this year, but that shouldn't stop
us from taking the pause and truly
having gratitude for all we have
accomplished, persevered through
and the people that have supported
us along the way. ■

DECEMBER 2020 ■

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