Hi, everyone, 

Let’s be real, despite it being dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year,” between the pandemic, financial pressure, and family drama...it also might feel like one of the most stressful times of the year. 

During this time, it can be helpful to gather some inner strength including channeling self-compassion, humor, and a growth-mindset, which will not only gracefully carry you through this season but into the new year. 

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up five leadership quotes that we hope will help keep you grounded, resilient, and inspired this holiday season. 

1. Brené Brown on gratitude: 

“It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”

According to Brown, people who have the capacity to lean fully into joy have one variable in common: They practice gratitude. But beyond just thinking about what you're grateful for, they act. They make sure they are doing something tangible and observable. “It’s not an attitude of gratitude,” Brown writes in Dare to Lead, it’s “an actual practice. They keep a journal, or make a note of what they are grateful for on their phone, or share it with their family members. Ask yourself: How can I act on my gratitude this holiday season?

Source: Leadology’s Gratitude Challenge 

2. Dwight D. Eisenhower on humor: 

"A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done."

I have yet to come across anyone who doesn’t appreciate humor in some form. Although we might have all different opinions on what makes us laugh out loud – a shared belly laugh is one of the best bonding experiences around, especially during stressful times. Throw on a comedy. Crack a silly joke. And remember, a smile always goes a long way. 

Source: Why Laughter is the Key Ingredient to Career Success

3. Dr. Kristin Neff on self-compassion: 

“Self-compassion entails both yin and yang—it is tender and helps us heal (yin) but it can also be fierce, taking action to protect and provide for ourselves as well as motivating change (yang).” 

Being kind to yourself increases happiness and reduces stress and anxiety. This means you will feel calmer and be able to approach challenges with resilience and a level head. Some simple self-care practices this holiday season could include: taking nourishing breaths, carving out time for exercise or movement, and getting some fresh air when you need to decompress. In case you missed last week’s newsletter, we also highly recommend completely unplugging from work.

Source: Why Fierce Compassion is Good for Business and Life 

4. Don Clifton on strengths: 

"What would happen if we studied what is right with people instead of focusing on what is wrong with them?"  

Instead of rolling your eyes at that annoying family member across the table, what if you tried focusing on when they are at their best? Crazy, we know...but it’s amazing how a shift in perspective can alter an entire relationship. When we get caught up in what people are doing wrong it makes it impossible to see them for who they really are.

Source: Looking for your pathway to excellence? 

5. Nelson Mandela on growth mindset: 

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” 

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do the holidays! Sometimes they are hard. Sometimes we’re going to struggle with ourselves and others. That is part of life. And yet, we always have a choice of how we respond. When you embrace a growth mindset, you know you can always improve and ask yourself questions to further that process. Questions like: What are my options? How can I move forward? What are my lessons learned? And finally, how can I make this year better than it was before?

Source: I Failed Vs. I’m a Failure 

Which quote is your favorite?

— Carrie & Team Leadlogy