What 30 Years of Holiday Seasons Have Taught Me

This time of year gets busy fast. After more than 30 years working in and supporting retail teams through the holidays, I’ve learned a few important things that show up every single year.

1. You’re more successful when you make it easier on people.
Customers. Employees. Yourself. The holidays amplify friction. The easier you make things, the more customers buy, the more confidently your team works, and the smoother your day becomes. Every small act that removes effort or confusion immediately improves outcomes.

2. The speed of the captain is the speed of the ship.
I heard Jerry Kohl of Brighton often remind his leaders of this.
If you’re stressed, people around you feel it.
If you move with urgency, they adopt it.
If you stay steady and upbeat, your team rises to match it.
During the holidays, people follow your energy more than your words.

3. Your real beliefs are always in motion.
Every day, they move you toward or away from the outcomes you want in performance, success, and happiness. That’s why mindset and how you start your day matter so much right now. A grounded and optimistic mindset gives you better choices when the pressure hits.

If you want support shaping that mindset, you can download the free 44-page excerpt of Start With What If right here.