Apart from a dull ache from the thought that the 1990s are now, on average, a quarter-century ago, it’s been a good break.
It’s been especially good to get away from all those social media posts about how much one has changed over the past decade, complete with youthful/haggard profile pics to chart one’s maturation/decline.
The usual thing to think about at this time of year is what you’ll change.
I’ve already had one colleague inform me they’ll be focusing on writing every Friday, even as they undermined it by querying whether it will actually happen.
So I’m going to suggest you try not changing things right now.
Instead, focus on what you do that works. It’s a bit harder than picking out what’s not working, but it’s a more positive starting point.
In practice, it’s what most of us do in any case: building out from successes and chipping away at the problems around the edges. Sure, it’s probably not as likely to treat root causes of those problems, but if the latter are really ramping your style, then we should be having a different conversation.
Part of this is about perspective.
Writing personally, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how I manage my work and my career, probably as a result of a podcast interview I’ve discussed already.
I’m aware that I’ve got various pressing deadlines right now, and that this post is another element of my avoidance strategy, and I’m aware that I could be doing a whole bunch of other things that would be Good Things To Do too.
But instead of succumbing to the winter blues, I’m trying to pull myself out of it, reminding myself that I am reasonably competent and have handled much worse situations than this before.
It doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy or particularly enjoyable, but the prospect of what is to come cheers me up.
As one trivial example, I made a simple wall-planner for the half-year, listing my various events and talks. Not only does it remind me of More Stuff To Be Done, but it also makes me think about how much I enjoy sharing my work with others.
So, stick your head out the door and notice the days getting longer*, and think on reasons to be cheerful.
* – Sorry to any Southern Hemisphere readers on this one