The December pressure trap (and how to escape it)
- mehalah
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 minutes ago
Slowing down now sets you up for a stronger January.
Feeling behind already?
December can feel like a sprint. Lights, year-end deadlines, family plans, and holiday prep all collide. You might feel like you should be working more or that you’re already behind for January. This is the December pressure trap!
That pressure isn't real – but it can be very persuasive!
Why slowing down is actually smart
In our recent Impact MasterMind, there was a common thread - bodies wanting to slow down, heads pushing us all harder. But you know, slowing down now doesn’t mean falling behind later. In fact, it sets you up for a stronger, more focused start to the new year. When done with the right mindset.
Recognising the December pressure trap
That voice in your head telling you everything must be finished, or you won't enjoy Christmas and you'll start January behind. That's the trap. It sounds urgent, but doesn't feel nice - that's how you tell it's not the voice of reason. It’s pressure disguised as productivity.
Joy, ease, and creativity are already inside you
Think you'll feel better when it's all done? Truth is, you don’t have to earn feelings of joy or ease – they’re already and always with you. But they can get buried under to-do lists and pressured thoughts. As for creativity, trust that energy and ideas will show up when you allow space for them; pause instead of push, and give yourself permission to step off the hamster wheel and notice the small sparks of joy as you go. A much better way to end the year.
My December reality
I’m flying to Thailand on December 8th. I’ll be working a little from there, “but it will be from a very relaxed space” – I hear myself reminding myself, like a caution or telling off.
The “shoulds” are creeping in, telling me I need to do more and prep more before January. The truth is, I know my December will be perfect, just as it unfolds, if I can let it. Without meddling. Without effort. Without "shoulding" all over myself. And it will lead to the most epic January.
I just need to trust
Trust me. Trust the process. Trust the kindness of the design. We are made for this.
How to escape the trap
Celebrate what is – even small wins matter
Rest and recharge – doing less now equals more energy in January
Set intentions, not pressure – focus on how you want to feel, not on endless tasks
Lean into joy – tiny moments of pleasure fuel energy and creativity
Align with your values – let your actions reflect what truly matters
Doing less is not failure
Your best ideas, clarity and energy flow when you give yourself space to breathe. Trust yourself. Trust the process.
Ready to start January with confidence?
If you want to start January with focus, momentum and clarity, book a call to set your next year up for success – however you define it. Don’t wait until the pressure builds.
Here’s to a perfect December for an epic January.
Mehalah Beckett is a coach, consultant and trusted advisor passionate about people, the planet, and empowering others to inspire positive change.
She coaches purpose-driven leaders to achieve impossible goals, hosts MasterMinds for hungry entrepreneurs, and guides businesses through B-Corp certification.