What Really Matters?

Often during the Holiday Season we forget to reflect on what really matters and to enjoy the time and the people we're with. Many of us get hung up on the gifts we give or receive, and forget to enjoy our family and friends. So, how do we slow down and experience our surroundings?

Here are some of my suggestions for activities for you and your staff, friends, or family:

• Play a game. Some good choices are Scrabble, Monopoly, Blockus, Cribbage, Rummikub, War, and Charades.
• Take a walk together.
• Attend a holiday concert.
• Volunteer to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.
• Have a small gift exchange and play a game to swap gifts. The person who wins gets to pick the first gift and open it. The next person can either pick a wrapped gift or exchange for one of the opened gifts, and so forth. It really brings out the holiday spirit.

On the job we have to think about what matters, too. Have you reflected on your accomplishments this year? Take a little time and review.

Did you:

• Finish any big projects?
• Hire new staff?
• Install new equipment?
• Reduce costs?
• Increase the productivity of your team, or your user community?

At the end of the year, we should all spend some time thinking about three things that really matter: accomplishments, improvements, and relationships. Those are what matter to me.

Happy Holidays!