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Writer's pictureMatthew Cossens

Christmas / New Year Period = Separation Season!



The Christmas and Holiday season is upon us. With 2 weeks to go in the year, followed by New Years and January school holidays, I can already see people across my networks starting to slow down, taking their foot off the gas.

 

Counting down the days to what might well be a well deserved break. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for you taking rest when/if you need it, but for me the December/January season is where I look to separate from the pack. It’s Separation Season!

 

I first heard the term of Separation Season from Ed Mylett (many years ago) and it has stuck with me.

 

You can listen to his podcast from 2020 on the topic here - https://edmylett.forlogis.com/podcast/ed-mylett-its-separation-season

 

While people around me look to rest, I look to level up.

 

In the words of Ed Mylett, “we’re talking about holiDAYS not holiMONTHS. Christmas is a holiDAY, New Year’s is a holiDAY.” This is such a simple concept to grab a hold of.

 

Enjoy the holiDAY with your friends and family but stay locked in on your goals, habits and routines. Get after it! That is how you separate from the pack. Do this year in and year out, that’s a gamechanger.

 

So how do I separate from the pack? Here is a brief overview of some of the key items I consider.




Habits & Routines

 

I keep my habits and routines. I don’t let a holiday/break impact how I start my day. The time of day may change (there is nothing wrong with resetting the batteries a little and sleeping in if you need it) but I still wake up with my daily routine. I start with gratitude, I hit the gym. Sure, I may wake at 6am-7am as opposed to 5am but I don’t let the routine fall away.

 

In fact, in holidays I double down on habits and routines. I will train more often, (as I have the time) I’ll consume more personal development content, (books, podcasts) I’ll spend more time on my business, reflecting, strategising and planning.

 

The best thing you can do as you move into separation season is to look at your habits and routines and how you can level them up further for this period of time!




Goals, Planning & Reflection

 

I reflect on my goals and planning. What’s worked, what hasn’t? Were have I played too small? What can I do differently to supercharge my results for the year ahead? Refine, reflect, plan and write it down. I spend a lot of time asking questions of myself during this time as I have the space and time to do so.

 

 

Family

 

From a family perspective, I like to look at how we can become closer as a family unit. I ensure I have additional, uninterrupted time with them over this period (particularly while on leave) and look to do things we may not normally be able to do during the year. More family dinners together! I also like to consider what memories do we want to create for the year ahead.

 

 

Circle Of Influence

 

I audit my circle of influence and the areas of my life I have people layered into. Who do I need to consciously spend more or less time with? Where do I need to add more people in to level up in an area of my life? This audit is one of the areas that I know separates me from the pack. I eliminate negative people from my life or people who consistently look for drama or need drama as their oxygen. I keep my circle small but leave it open to new people and experiences.

 

A quote I consider when I think about people in my life is ‘someone who only knows war, cannot live in peace’. They are people you need to reduce or eliminate from your life.

 

 

Personal Development

 

I use my time to go complete more personal development. This year in my separation season I have and will work through the following:

  • Wim Hof Certification Program

  • Tim Grover – Breakthrough Series

  • Oxygen Advantage Certification Program

  • Finalise Technology People’s Offsite for January 2024

  • Finish Outlive by Peter Attia



I will walk in 2024 with a new level of knowledge and energy. 2024 is my year.

 

So, let me challenge you to stay switched on and locked in through the Christmas & New Year period. If you have never taken on ‘Separation Season’ then let this be the first time you do! Find a new level and get after it as we move into 2024!

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all 😊

 

 

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