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Santa's 7 Stress-busting Secrets by Jim Allen
I t's the most wonderful time of the year... Or so they say.
While the end of year holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, love,
and joy, it often turns out to be a time of stress, depression and worry --
especially as people struggle to create some "holiday magic" for
their friends and families.
Santa Claus, a leading authority on Christmas and the holidays, wants you to
know that the holidays don't HAVE to be frustrating and frantic. He has given
me permission to share with you his seven favorite stress-busting secrets --
the very techniques he uses -- to help you relax and enjoy the true spirit of
the season.
So, laying my finger aside of my nose, here goes...
1. MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
That's right, it's not just a line from a song... Santa actually sits down each
and every day and makes a list of the things he needs to accomplish. The list
helps him focus and keeps him from standing around his North Pole workshop
trying to figure out what's next.
Put the 2 or 3 most important things at the top of the list -- the things that
you absolutely MUST accomplish in a given day -- and the less important ones at
the bottom. Then do ONE THING at a time BEFORE you move on to the next one.
2. PUT THE ELVES TO WORK
Ever see Santa at the mall? If so, you probably saw he had a handful of helpers
on hand to help him round up the kids, keep them in line (literally and figur-
atively), and keep things going. Without those helpers, Santa could never do as
much as he does in such a short time.
So put your elves and helpers to work. Don't be shy: tell 'em what you need
help with, then stand back and let them go!
Not only is it a great way to get a lot of things done quickly, but it's a
great way to share time with each other.
3. SAY NO
Sure, Santa specializes in making lots Christmas wishes come true, but not all
of them. (If he didn't say "no," every 10-year old boy would find a
motorbike beneath his Christmas tree, and every 10-year old girl would find a
pony.)
Not even Santa can do EVERYTHING. And if Santa can't, you can't either.
So say "no" to those holiday parties that stress your schedule. Say
"no" to baking another three dozen cookies. And, say "no"
to Aunt Sallie's fruitcake.
 4. STOP FOR MILK AND COOKIES
Traveling around the world in one a single night, delivering toys to all
the girls and boys, is a lot of work. A LOT of work. But even then, Santa
finds a little time for himself.
It's truly wonderful to do things for other people (see below), but in order
to do that, you have to take care of yourself.
Santa eats milk and cookies, and writes an occasional note, and sometimes (yes,
I couldn't believe it, either) peeks inside your medicine cabinet.
So find some "fun" time for yourself and put it to good use.
5. SETTLE FOR LESS
Santa learned a long time ago that it is just not possible to be
"perfect" 100% of the time. As much as he tries, the occasional
screw-ups happen... Like when he knocks over the flowers climbing in through
the apartment window, or when he forgets to tighten bolt D and Johnnie's
handlebars fall off as he takes his first bike ride down the hill.
So, Santa just does the best he can, and if it's not perfect, so be it.
Or, as Santa likes to say, "Imperfect IS perfect!"
6. DO SOMETHING NEW
Rather than doing the same things, year after year, Santa likes to mix things
up and try new ideas and  new approaches.
Not only does it keep things fun, but it helps him develop new traditions --
like that time he asked a young, awkward, red-nosed reindeer to guide his
sleigh one foggy Christmas eve.
7. BE OF GOOD CHEER
Everyone knows that Santa is a "right jolly old elf", but do you know
why? It's because he CHOOSES to focus on the good things that take place in the
holiday season.
So, slow down, breathe deeply, listen to the carols and the sleigh bells, watch
the glistening snow fall, laugh with the children playing, and let the spirit
of season lift you up.
With best wishes for much peace and joy these holidays and beyond...
Jim Allen, The Big Life Guy, is a professional life & business coach. For
more big ideas, subscribe to his free newsletter at: http://www.CoachJim.com/subscribe.html
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Did You Miss It?
Last Month, I offered both of my Ebooks - Network Your Way to Success and Top 5 Things Every Professional Must Know To Survive a Recession. While a few of you took advantage of the special pricing a few more emailed me because you missed the cut off date.
So I'm once again offering both books at a discount. This is the last time I will be offering them, so if you've been thinking about it - now is the time. You can get them both for the special price of just $19 That's two for the price of one. This pricing (and the books' availability) expires on December 31st, 2009
Use the paypal button below to order. They will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
Both books have my "you have to like it guarantee." If you don't think that either book was worth every penny of $19, I will happily refund your money.
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Message
'Twas
the night before Solstice when at the great hall
Not a person was stirring, they were all at the mall.
The snacks were arranged on the table with care
In hopes that some networkers soon would be there.
When out in the parking lot arose such a sound
Like 500 pirates whose ships ran aground.
But I knew what it was - they were all right on time
The Chambers of Commerce, B2B, BNI,
LeTip and Csix to name just a few
Plus entrepreneurs and small businesses too.
The networkers all had arrived in a flash
And the party began - a right jolly old bash.
They were all dressed in suits except for a few
Shaking hands, passing cards, saying "what do you do?"
Their eyes how they twinkled, their voices so merry!
They were helping each other while they drank Tom and Jerry.
A curious thing took place there that night.
It was farming not hunting and doing what's right.
To those who attended, not one promotion
was made to another in the happy commotion.
The party went on for an hour or two,
Then off they all went with connections anew.
And I heard them exclaim as they drove out of site,
Happy networking to all and to all a good night!
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The abbreviated mid month issue, will remain abbreviated with just 2 articles ' What Would Santa Do? by special guest author Jim Allen and back by popular demand my networking holiday poem, "Twaz the Night Before Solstice." Finally if you missed the sale on my two ebooks (and a couple of you emailed me wishing you had been able to take advantage of it) I am offering them again at a special holiday price.
