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Cody Alt | Dec 4, 2024

'Tis' the season.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration.

But for many of us, it can feel like the opposite. If you’re feeling down or struggling to stay motivated, you’re not alone.

This time of year can bring up all kinds of feelings, from stress to sadness. Maybe you got out of a tough relationship.

When everyone around seems to be happy and full of life, it’s easy to feel like there’s something wrong with you.

But here’s the truth: It’s okay to feel how you feel.

The holidays aren’t perfect for anyone, no matter what they look like on the outside. You might miss a loved one, worry about money, or be tired from expectations.

Whatever the reason, know that your feelings are valid.

Now, even if the holidays are tough, there’s still a way to make the most of them.

This can be a chance to set yourself up for something better, take control of your days and build momentum that will carry you into the new year.

Let’s talk about how to do that.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

When you’re feeling low, it can be hard to find the energy to do anything big. That’s okay. The key is to start small.

Do one positive thing for yourself every day. It doesn’t have to be complicated, so don't make it that way.

Maybe it’s a short walk, five minutes of stretching, or writing down three things you’re grateful for. The point is to show yourself that you’re worth the effort.

Consistency is more important than intensity. Those little actions add up over time.

They create a sense of routine, and routine can be a powerful tool for getting through tough times.

Plus, when you keep promises to yourself, even small ones, it builds confidence. You start to see that you can trust yourself to show up, no matter what.

Focus on Your Body and Mind

Staying active is one of the best ways to fight off the holiday sadness. Physical activity doesn’t just help your body; it helps your mind too. I've spoken on this in previous letters. Work out for your mind, not your body. You'll be more consistent.

Exercise releases endorphins, the “happy” chemicals in your brain.

You don’t need to train for a fuckin' marathon.

Just move your body in a way that feels good. Get outside, hike, shovel snow, or do a few jumping jacks in your living room. I don't give a shit.

And don’t forget your mind. Spend some time each day feeding it with something positive.

Read a book that inspires you, listen to a motivating podcast, or write in a journal.

If you’re dealing with tough emotions, writing them down can help you process them and feel lighter.

Set Goals That Matter to You

This is a great time to think about what you want for your life.

Not what others expect of you, but what really matters to YOU.

I can't imagine living a life and not doing what I want to do because of someone else's opinion. In the end, they'll be dead anyway.

I wouldn't let that influence me; you shouldn't either.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never made time for?

Maybe it’s learning a skill, starting a hobby, improving your health, or starting a company.

Whatever it is, make it your focus.

Set small, specific goals that move you in that direction. If you’re learning guitar, practice for 10 minutes a day. If you want to get healthier, replace one sugary snack with a piece of fruit.

It's not rocket science. Just do things better than you normally would.

These little steps create a sense of progress, and progress is motivating. It shows you that change is possible.

Get Ahead of the “New Year, New Me” Bullshit

Here’s the thing: Most people wait until January 1 to start working on their goals.

Then stick with it for a month, at best.

They make big, shiny resolutions and then give up and go back to scheduled programming.

But not you. By starting now, you’re giving yourself a head start.

While everyone else is beginning, you’ll already have weeks of progress under your belt.

Then have that added motivation to continue with the fresh year.

Think about where you could be by the time the new year rolls around. If you start working out now, you’ll already be stronger.

If you start a creative project, you’ll already have something to show for it. This isn’t about being better than anyone else; it’s about giving yourself the best shot at the life you want.

Remember That You Deserve More

Sometimes we get stuck because we don’t believe we deserve better. But you do.

You deserve to feel good about yourself, to have things in your life that make you happy and proud. And the way to get there is by showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

You don’t have to do it perfectly. Nobody does.

But you can do something. One step, one choice, one moment at a time.

Keep moving forward, and before you know it, you’ll be ahead of where you thought you could be.

So this holiday season, give yourself a gift.

The gift of effort.

The gift of care.

The gift of believing in your own potential.

You’re worth it.

And when the new year comes, you’ll be ready to face it stronger, happier, and more confident than ever.

That's it for this week.

If this helped you, be a friend and tell a loved one.

Your Montana Friend,

Cody

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Have a positive week,

Cody