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I won't be taking any vacation for the next two weeks. I'm not trying to win a hustle trophy. I don't really believe in hustle culture. Instead, I'm moving vacation to January so my team can spend time with loved ones during the holiday season.

Many corporate cultures waver between “let me get it done before the New Year” and “let me get it done before the New Year.”please leave me alone until 2026I rethought the last two weeks of the year – not to work harder, but to work differently.

Last week I asked myself how I could use the next two weeks to purposefully set up 2026 for success. So here's how I use the last two weeks of the year, which I call answering machine season:

1. I love plan. This is what my career coach (my mom!) always preaches: “Where there is no vision, people perish.” This is a biblical saying, but it applies to any leader. And while I've already presented part of my team's plan for 2026, now that things have quieted down is the time to solidify it, review the plan, identify areas for improvement, and refine it.
2. I also spend time on reflect over my daily processes and those of my team, looking for areas of opportunity. I plan to create a list of relationships to nurture when everyone inevitably moves back and identify partnerships that my team and I can strengthen in the new year.
3. And like many industries, journalism is a game of talent. This is the perfect time of year to look up and around to notice who I am. admire. This task is often pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, but it is important to know your colleagues and communicate with them.

For those still working, remember the reason for the season – it's time to enjoy the communityno matter what it looks like for you. You don't actually have to run to the finish line. A walk will do.