We have been talking to you these past weeks about how to move forward with power and impact as you look for a job or consider creating greater satisfaction in your current work.  We even suggested that you consciously and thoughtfully take advantage of the holiday gatherings to meet new people, connect with people you have known and build alliances that can support your efforts.

Today we are going to suggest you rest.  (For most of us, today is the recognized holiday, so we get a day off and we are free of holiday obligations.) Why not use it as a day to rest and do something restorative for yourself?  

In these changing times, our clients, our friends and our families all describe the feeling that they have been running – and running fast.  We have found that taking a break, doing something entirely outside your norm, is incredibly important to claiming your power and creating career success in the new economy.  It takes a lot of time and energy to actively and effectively manage your career.  In order to have the energy and enthusiasm to do so successfully, you also need rest and restoration.

Take a few moments now to consider what will bring you a sense of rest and restoration during this week between Christmas and New Years.  But, before the week is lost to mindless hours in front of the computer or television, we would like to ask:

When was the last time you did something new and challenging?

When was the last time that you laughed really hard?

When was the last time you were physically spent from actively using your muscles?

When was the last time you got lost in a novel?

If you find you can’t remember the last you did any of the above, then why not give one of them a shot and do something unique and interesting for yourself? (The new research on the brain has shown that any one of the above activities is far more restorative to you than watching another TV show.)

Claiming your power is an active process and that process includes claiming the time to restore your being and nourish your soul so that you can lead with the best you possible.