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Published on 12/29/1999 All articles from this issue

Celebrating your way - don't compare and despair

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By Jean Hollands

Jean on the Job

This is the time of the year when comparisons can color your perception of your own happiness. The neighbor got an enormous bonus. The next neighbor on the other side got to cash in his grandiose stock increase. Across the street, they went public this week and his company has billions after its name.

If you are out the financial flush, or you don't even want to go near it, celebrate anyway. Make every moment count. The magnificent machine, your body, is still pumping for you, still digesting for you, still allowing your brain to think for you. Your hand moves, your fingers tingle. Even better yet, some of you just tingle all over at the thought of your beloved ones.

Don't compare your traditions, your tree, your presents, your kids, your turkey or prime rib, your ski trip or your face in the mirror. Just be grateful for the opportunity to see that face.

Companies often give big holiday gifts. Some give turkeys. Some give nothing. Some bosses bring in poinsettias while others bring in more work to do. Your translation of your life, your tree, or your boss can make the holiday bright or depressing. You may need to find a way to like what you've got, and to have enough of what you like. Sometimes this takes a little translation time.

Don't complain. Try a day without a moan, groan or a sigh. Imagine this is your last day. Make every breath count, every vision a beautiful one, and every word a prayer of thanks. Stop comparing your life with others and just relax with the one life you have. Happy holidays.

Jean A. Hollands, CEO, Growth & Leadership Center, author, "Silicon Syndrome: How to Survive a High-Tech Relationship," "Optimistic Organizations" and "Red Ink Behavior: Measure the High Cost of Problem Employees," was voted Business Woman of the Year in 1986 and 1996. Write to GLC, 1451 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94040.