E38: How to Grow Through the Holidays

Throughout the Old Testament, God designated special feasts, festivals and holidays to recognize important milestones ... times of harvest, provision, and deliverance. These holidays combine reflection, celebration, and serving others. In the middle of this busy holiday season, you can use the time to reflect on all that God has done, celebrate the progress you’ve made, and prepare to serve others in even bigger ways next year. In Episode 38 of Just One Simple Thing, we’ll dig in to four ways to do that.

With all the fun of the season and the extra things added to our to-do lists, it’s tempting to  put aside our business or ministry work until the New Year.

But thankfully, you don’t have to put it all on the shelf and lose your momentum in the last month of the year. Let’s look at some easy ways that you can continue to grow during the holidays.  Pick just one or two that will keep things moving forward.

1. PLAN
Y’all know making plans are my passion! If you have tons of ideas for next year and haven’t quite sorted them into a plan, spend some time with those ideas.

You are probably already seeing promotions for year-end goals and planning workshops. Make sure whichever one you choose, it is not just about goal SETTING, but also includes goal PLANNING. Having a plan will give you a jump start into the new year.

2. LEARN
School may be out for the holidays, but that doesn’t mean the learning should stop! Check your local museum or library for special programs for the kids.

And while they are occupied, you can take an online course to grow your business or ministry. I bet you’ve purchased some this year that you never completed. A cozy afternoon while the rest of the family is occupied is a great time to learn something new.

3. COLLABORATE
Sharing the work of an event or promotion is the perfect way to get the most out of your efforts. These collaborative relationships will often develop into ongoing friendships and partnerships that will benefit both of you throughout the year. If you have a little extra time, try to set up some coffee chats to get to know others around your niche and brainstorm some ways you could work together.

4. REST
God wired us to need rest, a Sabbath, to function properly and to focus on the many ways He has provided for us. So take a rest during this holiday season to provide some space for growth.

ACTION STEP
Make your holiday growth action plan.  Pick the one or two that will help you most and lean into those. Then maybe dabble a little bit in the others. You can head to my free Facebook group Plan & Pray with Do A New Thing to grab a planning worksheet. Then share on social media one thing you are going to do to grow during the holidays. Be sure to use the hashtag #justonesimplething and tag me @doanewthing so I can cheer you on!

RESOURCES:
Cultivate Your Community is the course for Christian online entrepreneurs who want to grow a community that buys or buys in. It also includes fresh ideas for creating partnership through collaboration.  Learn more here.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living by Mary Geisen.

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Are you tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job? Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

Download the Honor System Guide, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do.