Christmas is a great time of year; festive, fun and full of spirit. But that combination can be rife for family tensions, falling into old habits and feeling the pressure to have impressive answers when you get asked 'how is business going' by your well meaning Uncle.

 

So I wanted to offer you the Christmas Protocol.

 

Yes I'm whipping this up quickly - a bit like the Christmas Nutella Tree I plan to make later. So I'm going to keep this practical, simple and quick.

 

I hope this helps you over the next couple of days if you need it.

 

 

 

Yup, it's tempting AF to skip the morning routine when there are presents to open and the entire Harry Potter Series to watch.

 

But TRUST me, if you have been on a journey of self discovery, inner awareness and spiritual connection then THIS is when those practices will ground you the most.

 

Whether you use it as prevention or cure, it will be a safe space and sanctuary of reconnection to yourself, keep you grounded and focused on what matters. Even if you have to cut down and choose ONE thing, make the time.

 

Also, don't be afraid to take the time you need. Just because you're with family, you are not the 7 year old who needs permission to go play anymore. If you need space, you can take it.

 

 

 

 

It's only when you speak to non-coachey people that you realise just how 'niche' what we do is. The truth is, not everyone wants to change their life for the better, despite their complaints, frustrations and grievances.

 

So as tempting as it might be to help out your in-law with their career problems when you're sat around the fireplace, ask yourself, is this what a professional would do? Remember, coaching is a professional modality that requires consent and the right environment. If a friend or family member really wants your help, tell them you can absolutely help them, listen, care but actual coaching is best done in the right environment, so feel free to say something like this: 'would you like me to send over my free XXX [your free offer] and if you find it valuable we can talk another time about really helping you change XXX.' As their daughter/niece/aunt/cousin you're not in work mode and they deserve better than quick tips that are the tip of the iceberg. keep the fire place chit-chat exactly that.

 

There's nothing wrong with sharing powerful insights or perspectives, having deep and juicy conversations and speaking from what you know (which I can guarantee will be more than most when it comes to mindset), and it also never hurts to leave them wanting more...

 

 

 

 

Coaching is a really unique industry - it's pretty wild west really. There is no one best strategy and one best way, and that's what makes it so fun and full of opportunity! So when you can do business in a way that feels great, why not do that?

 

But explaining to your cousin who just got promoted to Senior Partner that KPI's and SWOT analysis are not the way you plan to grow your coaching business may just be energy worth saving for the monopoly game later instead.

 

I'm not saying learning about other businesses, perspectives and strategies are a bad thing (in fact do - that's how businesses innovate!) but be mindful of what you absorb and take on.  

 

Not everyone has to get it, so learn and explore, but it doesn't stop you from owning what you know too.

 

 

 

 

Starting a business is AWESOME. So CELEBRATE the fact you are doing something pretty amazing that also does so much good for the people who get to be coached by you!

 

So what to say if someone asks 'how is business?' and you're not feeling overly confident about it yet?

 

You get to tell them that business is great, and you have big things planned for next year, and you even just invested in your first business coach (okay, cheeky plug there, sorry not sorry!). You also get to tell them that the 9to5 is serving you well. No need to elaborate unnecessarily, justify yourself or look for validation.

 

This is YOUR story to tell, so decide ahead of time how you want to share it then stick to it.

 

 

 

 

This is a big one. Yes, you're doing the work. Yes, you understand the human brain on a far deeper level than most. Yes, you have done and will do profound work to help people.

 

AND you are still human, on your own journey of evolution.

 

So if your dad making a snarky comment gets to you and you feel your blood boil. Remember to show yourself huge amounts of compassion and self love.

 

Christmas is a weird time with a lot of pressure to play happy families and that simply isn't always achievable.

 

Not everyone cares about the same things as you do, or has the same level of self awareness. We are all doing the best with what we have available to us and so are you.

 

 

 

 

As Murphy's law says anything that can go wrong will (Interstellar fans anyone?) and if this happens at Christmas then your best defense?

 

Presence.

 

Presence is not bringing in baggage from the last decade, last year, or the last hour into each new present moment. Nor is presence anticipating the worst and being so tense that you can't enjoy the present (guilty!).

 

Presence is a skill, but if you can find the strength to focus on each present moment, and be with the people who are with you, and try and do so with a positive light, then you will make it through, even when shit blows up.

 

We never know what tomorrow will bring, but we always have right now.

 

 

 

Christmas is abundant with pleasure, don't you think?

 

The sound of Christmas carols, wrapping paper being torn open, the gentle crackle of fire on top of the Christmas pud, perhaps even the classic bicker of your siblings in the background...

 

The taste of mulled wine, Ferrero Rocher, cheese, and gravy on piping hot freshly carved meat or nut roast. 

 

The twinkle, sparkle and dazzle of Christmas glitter and fairy lights, the smooth texture of your Christmas jumper, the exquisite abundance of a full banquet at the dinner table. The look of a freshly poured baileys and how the ice jingles in the glass...

 

The feel of Christmas spirit, family - for better or worse, the delight of seeing a loved one open a present, the hope and joy in Christmas song...

 

Lean into pleasure this Christmas, notice what delights you.

 

Take your time to taste, smell, touch and most of all feel....

 

Make the most of this day, give gratitude for the Christmas you have, as it may not be perfect, but it will be yours....

 

 

On this note, I wish you the merriest of days.

 

Your coach,

Pamella