If you're anything like me, now that the Thanksgiving-haze has worn off and you’ve watched Home Alone three times, you are fully aware that we’re a little under three weeks away from much of the world hitting a collective snooze button.

What does that mean? Somehow every email says “urgent,” holiday parties are multiplying like Gremlins, and your to-do list looks more dramatic than a Bravo reality show.

People often say life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. However, right now there’s power in flipping this. Consider treating the next three weeks as a sprint and remember - the finish line is in sight.

With the knowledge that you’re in the home stretch, try using this simple checklist today and next week to manage your time and energy.

1. Emotional Energy: Give Yourself Credit for a Win

You’ve survived 100% of your bad days. Use your previous wins to keep you motivated as you close out the year.

• Action: Write down one “Resilience Reference,” aka a win (big or small), or even just a tough day you conquered last week. Use this as the reminder that you are capable of handling challenges. 

2. Mindful Energy:  Manage Your Social Battery 

As the queen of the Nigerian Irish Exit (greet everyone and then sneak out like a ninja), here’s your permission to attend holiday parties on your terms. Social events can be draining, and overcommitting leads to burnout.

• Action: Scan your social calendar - pick one event to skip or attend briefly.

  Pro Tip: Give yourself an out. When you arrive—say, “I have to leave at X time for another commitment” (even if it’s watching Love Actually, reading your kids a bedtime story, or doing nothing). 

• Bonus: The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone. Reach out to someone who might need a touchpoint with a simple, “Thinking of you. Hope all is well.” 

3. Mental Energy: Ruthlessly Declutter Your Calendar

Many things may be important– but not everything can be urgent. Right now it’s about doing tasks that are the best use of your time in December. 

• Action: Take a look at your calendar - find one meeting that can wait until Jan. 

  Need language to reschedule? Try this: “I hope all is well. Could we reschedule this for the week of 1/7? Send me a few times that work for you, and I look forward to it.”

4. Physical Energy: Harness Any Amount of Time to Move 

From now until my dying breath, I will find joy in highlighting movement powers mental productivity and helps us destress - even for short periods of time. 

• Action: Turn one call, meeting, catch up, or friend/family activity into a walk or workout. 

  Plus, here are other easy ways to move during the day 

One Simple Thing

Confirm you did your checklist here for a chance to win Dilagence swag.

Pro Tip: Read the final minute of this newsletter standing, walking, or wallsitting

Dilagence on the Move 

Incredibly excited to announce - C-Suite Workouts are dropping December 19th just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re on the road or just need to get in a quick workout, these accessible workouts are designed to meet everyone where they are, whenever they need it.

However, C-Suite Workout subscribers receive a special preview.

Click here to access a 5 Minute Bodyweight workout and subscribe to the channel.Thanks for being on Team Dilagence.

Dose of Dilan

How I Stay Sharp on the Road:

The Nori press turned my least-favorite childhood chore into my superpower, keeping me keynote- and client-ready from one city to the next. Plus it’s currently 25% off.

Where I’m Going for the Holidays: 

The Vienna Christmas Markets

What I’m Watching: 

Our Little Christmas - I went from wary to won over. Lindsay Lohan is back to stealing our hearts.

Thanks for reading. Follow me on LinkedIn for more health hacks and habits to boost your performance. Spread the word - Please share this newsletter with one person this week or invite them to subscribe here.