Navigate Holiday Chaos Like an Athlete

The Holidays Are Here and They’re Coming in Hot! 🔥

Yesterday was a championship-level juggling act for me:

🏎 Formula 1 fans know this was the last race weekend of the season. The driver’s championship is still on the line, qualifying was yesterday, and on this track, where you start on the grid is critical.

⚽ MLS Final? Two legends playing their last ever professional match, must-see TV for me.

🎉 Add to that a neighborhood Christmas party with a three-driveway spread for the entire community and I am part of the crew for running this. Setup started in the morning, and I was on cheesesteak cooking duty for the actual party. (If cheesesteak flipping ever becomes an Olympic sport, I’m ready.)

🌧 Oh, and let’s throw in some rain for good measure, because why not?

Sound familiar? The holidays can feel like a full-court press.

Why the Holidays Feel Like Game Day

This time of year brings competing priorities: family, work, social events, and traditions we want to be part of. There are expectations, deadlines, and emotional intensity that make the season feel like crunch time.

So how do we keep our heads during the chaos? Time to navigate it like an athlete.

💪 Three Athlete-Inspired Strategies

1️⃣ Focus on what you can influence. As an athlete and coach, I used the phrase: “What’s inside my boat?” 🚤 Whatever is inside your boat, you control. Outside your boat? Let it go. When something came at me that I couldn’t control, I’d say, “Outside my boat,” and move on. (Bonus: It sounds way cooler than “I’m ignoring this.” )

2️⃣ Stick to small rituals. During the craziness of the season, routine becomes critical. Even small rituals: ☕ morning coffee, 🚶‍♀️ a quick walk, or ✍️ journaling can keep you grounded. Think of them as your warm-up drills for the day.

3️⃣ Schedule recovery like an athlete.I knew the party meant four hours on my feet, so I did most of my chores early and sat down to watch the game before heading out. Protect your energy. Schedule downtime like an athlete schedules rest. (Yes, “feet up with snacks” counts as recovery.) 🍿

Quick Tips to Navigate the Holidays Like an Athlete

✅ Create your holiday game plan. Identify your non-negotiables. When everything is a priority, nothing is.

✅ Take micro-breaks. Step outside for 2–3 minutes of breathing or actually close your eyes and listen to the holiday music playing. 🎶

✅ Audit your energy. Say yes strategically. People understand this season is busy, don’t be afraid to say, “Sorry, I just can’t this year.” (Your sanity will thank you. 🙌)

Closing

The holidays aren’t about perfection, they’re about presence. There will always be curveballs, but with some athlete mindset tricks, you can dodge the chaos and focus on what matters most.

So lace up, take a deep breath, and play your game. 🏅

And if all else fails? Reset! Call it halftime and grab a cookie. 🍪