*Post by Julie Pierce*

This time of year seems to bring a lot of “tradition talk”: what Christmas traditions do you enjoy? What new traditions do we want to try this year in hopes that it “sticks” and becomes the Hallmark moment we dreamed of? How do I kill off a tradition that my mother/friend/sister loves because it makes me absolutely crazy and sucks all the joy out of the season? (Surely I’m not the only person who asks that one?)

I absolutely love intentional, life-giving traditions. They bring a little predictable rhythm to my often un-predictable life. The traditions I look forward to most have deepened my relationships, made me laugh, and changed my perspective.

Over the years I have found that traditions aren’t just for family at the holidays; they can bring great depth and meaning to my leadership, as well.  The following are 3 leadership traditions you can try for yourself:

1) Great Book Give-Away: Make a list of your top 5 reads of the year and why you chose them. Buy copies of your #1 book. Include your list, your favorite book, and a note and send/give to leaders who are just a few steps behind you in life.

2) Looking Back/Looking Forward: Set aside a few hours for personal reflection. Use the time to answer questions about the past year in leadership and consider the year to come. Questions like: Did I meet my goals for the year? Are there any decisions I now regret? How do I want to lead differently in the year to come? Journal your answers so you can review them year after year. For more reflection questions, check out my blog post.

3) Choose a challenge: Decide on one new challenge you will take on in the coming year. Your selection could be getting an article published, running a half marathon, learning a new language.  Whatever you choose, your challenge should be something you find enjoyable that will stretch you.

What leadership traditions would you add to the list?