Christmas can be a fantastic time of the year. As such, we certainly don’t wish to sound too much like The Grinch, but, equally, it’s important to recognise that the next few weeks can be a really difficult time for some people.
For some of our clients, it can be a time where they can really struggle with isolation, a sense of loss and / or the stress of trying to make sure that ‘everything is just right’ for the Big Day itself.
Add shortening days, and a subsequent reduction in Vitamin D levels, along with a drop in temperature, and, suddenly, hey presto, our coping mechanisms can be stretched to the limit.
In other words, keeping our practices up and running can be a real source of comfort for clients.
We’re not suggesting that any of our members should ‘burn themselves out’ over the festive season. But, it can be a good idea to make sure your clients have advanced notice of when you might be taking some time away from the office.
So, don’t forget to include any updates for your festive office hours on your website and social media platforms.
Past experience highlights how the practice room can be an important ‘anchoring point’ for people in the run up to the New Year.
We’ve previously found people start to set resolutions over the course of the next few weeks. So, if your door is open for someone to come in for that crucial free consultation then you could be proving them with the perfect start for the new year.
The smoker looking to (finally) quit the habit in time for the chimes of Big Ben will be singing your praises within a few months when they really notice the difference to their health – and their wealth!
In short, keeping your practice open, albeit at a reduced level, can provide benefits for clients who’re looking for a bit of ‘peace and quiet’ away from the chaos of riotous family members.
Keeping bookings in the diary for clients allows for the ‘regularity of routine’ which is crucial for helping people to keep their primitive brains in check.
It means we can use the session to reaffirm positive coping strategies and reaffirm the role of the intellectual part of our thinking.
The Ratey Metaphor: The Boss, The Secretary and The Health and Safety team
Christmas is, perhaps, a good time to make sure ‘The Boss’ is in control of our thinking – rather than the ‘Health and Safety’ team!
For the uninitiated, ‘The Boss’ is the intellectual part of the brain and the ‘Health and Safety’ team is the primitive part. The ‘Ratey metaphor’ goes on to explain the role of the office ‘Secretary’ is carried out by the Anterior Cingulate.
In (very) simple parlance, the Anterior Cingulate is the ‘go between’ between the two sections of the brain. If the ‘Secretary’ can be persuaded to ‘side’ with ‘The Boss’ then our decision making becomes more rational – and less emotional.
In short, if everyone’s ‘Bosses’ are in control then peace and harmony can happily rule supreme as we carve our way into the nut roast or Christmas turkey at the dinner table.
That might be a little tricky if certain members of the family realise that the batteries aren’t included with Santa’s morning deliveries.
As an aside, I think we can excuse a primitive brain reaction from younger tribe members as most people’s intellectual brains aren’t fully developed until adulthood.
By making ourselves available to our clients over the Festive period then we might be greatly helping them to better manage with the office get together – and the in-laws.
Equally, we completely recognise that Christmas is also a time when members need to take a break for themselves – and spend a bit of time relaxing in front of the telly and playing those all-important board games with family members.
As we head into the final month of 2023, now can be a good time for us to make new year resolutions for both our personal lives – and for our businesses.
Setting SMART goals for 2024 can be a great way to generate a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the New Year.
So, what Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely targets can you aim to successfully complete over the course of the next twelve months?
Perhaps you’re looking to undertake a crucial piece of CPD which you know will enhance and benefit your practice? If so, please remember to log in to the NBH website so you can keep track of your CPD achievements.
If you have any downtime over the next few weeks then perhaps now is a good time to give your practice rooms that all important lick of paint so it’s fresh for your 2024 clients who’ll be looking for a fresh start to their lives.
Equally, December can offer the opportunity to advertise any special offers for the New Year on your website – and to actively push your messaging on social media to encourage interest in how you can help people achieve their own dreams and goals.
