Earlier today, I wrapped up my final consultation of the year. The session itself—focused on building a brand—wasn’t what stuck with me. It was something my client said that hit deeper.
He told me he feels guilty.
Why? Because while everyone around him seems to be taking time off to spend the holidays with family, he doesn’t want to.
He wants to use this quiet time to double down on planning for 2025. To outwork and outthink his competition. To hustle.
But that desire makes him feel like he’s somehow failing as a husband and father.
So I asked him: “What does your family think?”
His answer? They’re fine with it. They’ve got their own things going on, everyone seems happy, and no one’s complaining.
Here’s what I told him:
Stop buying into what you see on social media.
• The hustlers are hustling right now.
• The builders are building right now.
• The dealmakers are working on their next big win right now.
If the grind fuels you, and the people who matter most in your life are on board, lean in. Roll up your sleeves and get after it.
Do What Works for You
Look, I get it. I enjoy decompressing in December. These last two weeks of the year are my time to recharge.
But it hasn’t always been that way.
There were years when I worked straight through December, setting myself up for success in January. My family didn’t mind, and looking back, it was the right move for me at the time.
That’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how you should spend your time.
The Real Holiday Rule: Be True to Yourself
Social media loves to sell us these shiny, curated narratives about work-life balance. But here’s the reality: You have to know yourself.
• Be aware of your own needs.
• Be aware of the needs of your loved ones.
And then? Do what feels right.
If you’re someone who thrives on the grind, there’s no shame in outworking the competition while others are sipping eggnog. In fact, outworking your competition is one of the most consistent traits I’ve seen among successful people.
But if your body and mind need rest, take that time without guilt.
Either way, the key is to live authentically.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about working or resting—it’s about doing what fuels you and aligns with your values.
So, if you’re building over the holidays, build boldly. If you’re recharging, recharge fully.
Either path is fine. Just make sure it’s yours.
Mitch
PS: And if you’re reading this after the fact—after the holidays are over—I hope this message puts you at ease. Whatever choice you made, if it was true to you, it was the right one.