“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Uncle Ben – Spiderman
One of our biggest motivators is responsibility, or having a sense or awareness of responsibility. The older we get, the more we realise just how much we have to be responsible for. As kids – we only need to focus on ourselves. But, as we mature, we become increasingly aware of those around us.
People are motivated when their responsibilities are meaningful and engage their abilities and values. Responsibilities are most meaningful when they fit a person’s values. A caring person is motivated by work that helps others, like teaching and mentoring. Artisans are motivated by the challenge to produce high–quality products. Managers may be motivated by the responsibility to build the processes necessary to implement a strategy.
When the global pandemic hit, we were all confronted with the huge responsibility of not only keeping our own families safe but those around us too. Having to wear masks all day and sanitise at every entrance took time to get used to. These experiences have changed how we look at everything – from nipping out to the shops right up to blowing out the candles on a cake.
Even festive season celebrations have a fresh look at what it means to be responsible. Usually, celebrating responsibly meant not overindulging and putting yourself and others at risk – now it will include keeping guests to a minimum and extra consideration around how much we expect ourselves and others to spend.
Traditions are changing as they are driven by a greater sense of morality and consideration for others. Budgets are tighter, and health concerns considerably higher.
Here are some ideas on making more responsible decisions over festive occasions and celebrations.
Create some space
Over socialising and ‘trying to fit everyone in’ is no longer advisable. In some ways, it removes the pressure to attend so many events that we slide into the new year completely exhausted.
For the year-end functions that you can’t avoid organising, many choose to split these into mini-events. Family gatherings could be something smaller, with extra consideration given to those who are elderly or at higher risk. If someone chooses to pass, we shouldn’t take offence or pressure them into not missing out.
Hybrid events, where some guests attend in person and others are linked through a screen, are also popular ideas to keep in mind.
Keep yourself fit
Keeping fit is good and could help keep your blood pressure low – which is beneficial for boosting your immune system and coping with stress.
There are free apps with short, effective workouts that you can download on your phone and start on right away. Taking regular walks outside is a great way to improve health, circulation and mental stamina – and doesn’t cost a cent!
Shop away from the shops
With everything online, going to the shops is a choice and no longer a necessity.
Be mindful of cyber-security and verify whether you’re paying the right store before inserting your personal information on any platform. Stick with brands and providers that you know and trust.
Remember, everything is connected. We say it a lot, but at WellsFaber, our goal is to advise so that you can thrive. That means that being healthy and responsible in all areas of life is important to your well-being: impacting your health will affect your finances, mental well-being, and relationships at home and at work.