December is a month that reminds you that the year has flown by in fast-forward!
The holidays bring a whirlwind of parties, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines. For many high-functioning individuals, this time of year also brings a unique challenge: the need to appear well-adjusted and "on top of it all," even if underneath the surface, you feel anything but.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I see it every year in my practice. High-functioning professionals often spend December juggling two opposing forces: the pressure to present as calm, cheerful, and accomplished, and the restless urge to leap ahead to the fresh start of January.
It’s a mental tug-of-war that can leave you feeling frazzled, unfulfilled, and disconnected from yourself.
In this blog, let’s talk about why this happens, how it shows up, and what you can do to navigate the “Holi-Daze”.
The two most common Holi-dazes are
'The Pressure to Appear Well Adjusted' and the 'Forward Focus'
If you’re a high achiever, you likely pride yourself on being dependable, capable, and composed. The holidays, with their added social and emotional demands, can amplify this pressure. It’s as though the world expects you to juggle everything effortlessly: closing out the work year, shopping for gifts, showing up for events, and still maintaining a polished exterior.
But what happens when life feels messier than the Instagram-worthy image you’re projecting?
For many, there’s a sense of internal dissonance—a gap between how they feel and how they think they should feel.
As if the holiday chaos weren’t enough, there’s another mental hurdle high-functioners face, the urge to barrel toward the new year without pausing to reflect on the one you just lived.
While looking ahead can be motivating, it can also rob you of the chance to be present. By constantly chasing what’s next, you miss the opportunity to celebrate what is, the growth, achievements, and lessons you’ve accumulated throughout the year.
Let’s be honest: the new year doesn’t come with a magical reset button. If you’re not careful, you’ll carry this same restless energy into January, perpetuating the cycle of “always looking ahead.”
How do you know if you’re caught in the Holi-Daze?
Feeling like you’re on autopilot. You’re so busy ticking boxes that you’re barely present in the moment.
Struggling to slow down. Even during downtime, your mind races with thoughts about what’s next.
Minimizing your accomplishments. Instead of celebrating wins, you fixate on what didn’t get done.
Emotional fatigue. The pressure to “show up” leaves you drained and irritable.
Comparison traps. You scroll through social media, convinced that everyone else is thriving while you’re barely holding it together.
If any of this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. There’s nothing wrong with you. These patterns are common for high-functioning individuals, especially during such an emotionally charged time of year.
How can you break out of this DAZE?
It starts with a few simple but powerful mindset shifts and practices that you can start today!!
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel
First and foremost, it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. Whether you’re overwhelmed, tired, or even a little “bah humbug,” your emotions are valid. High-functioning people often fall into the trap of emotional suppression, thinking it’s a sign of strength. But true resilience comes from acknowledging and processing what’s beneath the surface.
2. Anchor Yourself in the Present
The holiday season can feel like a blur because we’re constantly rushing from one task to the next. To counter this, practice grounding techniques that bring you back to the here and now.
3. Celebrate Your Year
Before diving into new goals, take time to reflect on the past year. High-functioners often dismiss their accomplishments, thinking they’re “no big deal” or “just part of the job.” But every step forward matters, no matter how small.
4. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy
The holidays are full of demands—family, work, and social obligations. It’s okay to say no. Protecting your peace doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you intentional.
5. Shift Your Focus from Doing to Being
High achievers often equate their worth with their productivity. But December is an invitation to shift gears—from “doing” to “being.” It’s about experiencing joy, connection, and rest without feeling the need to earn it.
The Holi-Daze doesn’t have to leave you drained and disconnected.
By giving yourself permission to feel, anchoring in the present, and celebrating your journey, you can navigate this season with more grace and authenticity.
Remember: You don’t need to have it all figured out or appear perfectly composed. Your worth isn’t tied to your output or your ability to "keep it all together."
As you move through December, I encourage you to approach this time with curiosity and self-compassion.
And if you need support along the way, know that you don’t have to do it alone—I’m here to help.
Comments