We survived the holidays and the New Year. We worked hard to set our 2020 goals and even begun to work on making them happen. Yet sometimes we put so much energy into creating our December and January schedules that we are so exhausted by the end of the first month of the year. Sounds crazy but maybe there is more going on. For those leaders in the Northern Hemisphere the days contain less light. More darkness can de-energize us and even alter our perspectives. For leaders in the Southern Hemisphere overly hot days can also bring us down. So what’s a leader to do when the January Blues hit?

Here are five leadership actions to overcome the January blues:

1. Swap Out Cold For Creative

Although leaders may be feeling uncomfortably chilly with the January blues they can actually add warmth to their routine by adding some creative strategies. For example, make a list of all the projects you are looking forward to tackling this year. Then choose one or two to begin dreaming about how to approach them. Ask yourself: “What can I do to launch this new direction today?” Seeing the next steps may spark a fire to try some new skills you haven’t had a chance to use yet. It can really help bring out our creative juices.

2. View This Time As A Gift

We may have just finished putting away all the holiday gift-wrapping and decorations but there is still one more gift left to open. That is the gift of time to regroup before setting out on the rest of the year. Look at the goals you may have set and see if they:

• Align with your leadership vision for the year. Are you working on what will bring you growth and fulfillment?
• Need to be adjusted to meet unexpected deadlines or customer challenges.
• Still allow you to stretch your talents and push outside of your comfort zone.

3. Add A Phone Call Or Video Chat To Connect

While leaders may be hunkering down for the extremely cold or overbearingly hot seasons, forge ahead by connecting with someone you haven’t spoken with in awhile. Set up a video call to share upcoming challenges or reach out to a former colleague to check up on them. Early in the year is when leaders can make adjustments more easily so ask your connections for guidance or insights now.

4. Sign Up For A Class Or Conference

The beginning of the year is filled with excitement on how we can grow our leadership. A great action to take is to identify what skills we need propel our career forward. And what better way to do that than:

• Enroll in a course that will add technical or relationship skills to your leadership toolbox.
• Seek out programs that will add a critical credential that you have been hearing about.
• Inquire about a conference nearby that will not only provide you with helpful knowledge but will also offer you some wonderful networking opportunities.
• Contact a coach to help with your self-awareness as well as becoming more understanding of other people’s emotions.

5. Breathe, Heal, Open Yourself Up

A final yet equally as important action to overcome the January blues is for leaders to focus on their wellbeing. Take a brisk walk while listening to your favorite tunes or podcast. Locate one exercise class that will energize your routine. Read up on meditation or join a local group to focus on your breathing. I did and love it.

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” Tori Amos

What additional leadership actions have you tried to overcome the January blues?