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- Past, Present, Future: Lessons from the Muppet Christmas Carol
Past, Present, Future: Lessons from the Muppet Christmas Carol
How a holiday movie helps us audit time, find joy, and step into 2025
EST Read Time: 3:15
The Winter Solstice (today) is the universe essentially screaming, “Transition!” as we wind down 2024 and gear up for 2025. But let’s swap the solstice for a better mascot: The Muppet Christmas Carol.*
Think about it: it has chaos, work-life rhythm struggles, heartwarming moments, and—most importantly—three ghosts to make sense of it all. Even if you’re not a Muppets fan, the wisdom of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future is a lens anyone can use to close this year stronger and start the next with intention.
Past: Audit Your Time (Rest of 2024)
Scrooge realized how he’d spent his time led to a life of regret. There’s a reason we say “spend” time—it’s valuable currency. Your 2024 task list shows what you wanted to spend time on. Your calendar reflects what you actually prioritized.
We all use our time in different ways. The question is whether your priorities align with what you care about.
Action Item: Do a quick audit of the last 3 months. Where was your mental energy spent, and what’s one way you can reallocate it to what you value? For example: What was the one-hour meeting that could have been a 30-minute walking call (or no call)?
Remember: We learn from our past. Scrooge changed his story, and it ended with Muppets dancing around Michael Caine. Your past doesn’t define you—as long as you choose differently moving forward.
Present: Harness Joy (Right Now)
Scrooge learned the power of finding joy, even amidst struggle. Sure, the holidays are about joy, but let’s be real—they can be stressful AF.
Don’t wait for a magical moment to boost your emotional energy.
Action Item: Take a moment this week to do something that sparks joy—whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee, a five-minute workout, or a deep breath. Recharge now so you have the energy to crush what’s next.
Future: Act With Intention (December 2025)
When Scrooge looked ahead, he saw the life he didn’t want and made choices to become the person he aspired to be. Skip the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions. Instead, focus on intentionality.
*Note: We’ll dive into resolutions (especially around health and fitness) in the next newsletter—but for now…
Action Item: Visualize yourself in December 2025: How do you want to feel? What’s one action you can take in January to set that vision in motion?
Pro Tip: Tell another human or schedule a calendar reminder for January 6, 2025, when everyone is back in action. Accountability helps - seriously.
Take a cue from Scrooge: reflect, celebrate, and step boldly into 2025.
One Simple Thing: Do a C-Suite Workout
We’re proud to share C-Suite Workouts to help busy people harness their time, energy, and health (especially during the holidays). The latest video is designed to make sure you feel joy to your core in under 5 minutes.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Dilagence YouTube channel and you’ll be the first to know when the next workout drops.
Pro Tip: 35 Seconds left in the newsletter. Read the rest standing, wallsitting, OR planking. Definitely let me know if you planked.
Dilagence on the Move
Exciting times at Dilagence—we’re grateful the word is spreading as we grow. Check out our recent features in:
Athletech: Corporate Wellness Isn’t Dead, You’re Just (Probably) Doing It Wrong
WWD: How Wellness Drives Employee Performance and Brand Success
Business Insider: My thoughts were included on a piece about “favoritism at work” here
Weekend Listen: I shared my finance to fitness journey on The Mile 40 Podcast
Let’s keep building together. Planning an offsite, event, summit, or conference in Q1? Know a company that could benefit from Dilagence? Let’s connect—reply or reach out here.
Dose of Dilan
How I’m Staying Warm in Vienna:
As many of you know, I’m always cold. This heated fleece is a game-changer.
What I’m Watching:
Pop Culture Jeopardy. My People subscription prepared me well.
What I’m Re-Reading:
The Artist’s Way. It’s especially great in the run-up to 2025.
*Special thanks to friend and incredible Dilagence client Tara M. for sparking the joy of The Muppet Christmas Carol
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