Feeling like that lately? Like you wish God would grant you another holiday? It's called the Winter Doldrums. We all get it from time to time. Winter settles in around mid January, both in the air and in our souls. Holiday bills pile up. And one day you look at December's credit card statements and mutter, scrooge-like, "I liked these people… but not that much!"

The W-2's and 1099's drift in with a double whammy: You mutter, "Is that all I made?" Or worse… "I made that? Where is it?" And then you have the sinking realization that Uncle Sam wants to hear from you soon. You suddenly understand what relative time means: Winter drags by… BUT, April 15 comes like a tornado, careening across your consciousness and ripping out all tiny hamlets of good feelings. Even if you get a refund, there is that irritating need to actually pay attention to what you did last year, review it painfully, recap all the checks and expenses… some of which you now regret, and… well, you get the picture.

I know, I know… if you weren't depressed when you started reading this, you are now. But there is a way out, really…

I recently found myself in those doldrums. I had just returned from a wonderful Hawaii business trip, where I re-connected with old clients, saw my girls, hung out with friends, and, of course, took a dip in the balmy Pacific Ocean. I had several great presentations with wonderful audiences. I even got to sit in the First Hawaiian Bank Skybox at the Sony Open! So where was this coming from?

I came back to a pile of mail and bills. Phone calls to return. It was raining and cold (yes, in Phoenix) and I missed Hawaii. I wished for a fireplace and briefly considered setting the couch on fire to mimic that same warm cozy feeling -- then thought better of it... (just joking!!)

So, I set about making my house feel light and bright and decided that since I teach this stuff, I should pay attention to what I tell everyone else.

Here's what I did… and it may work for you.

First, I set the timer for 12 minutes and raced against the clock to clean up my desk, the floor and the entire office. I turned on upbeat music to get my blood flowing and my brain moving again. I opened up all the curtains and replaced a dim bulb with a higher wattage "sunshine" bulb.

Next, I sat down and focused. What could I get done today? I created a to do list--- not a to do forever… just today. I made sure I could get everything done in one day that was on my list. And I got started. When you are in overwhelm, there is wisdom in that sports company slogan "Just Do it!" (You know who they are, and if they pay me like they pay Tiger Woods, I'll mention them in the next newsletter…)

By lunchtime, I could feel a shift. I was organized and I had a plan. The house felt lighter and so did I.

First on the list was to call prospective clients. I discovered a secret years ago that works. I re-read notes and letters from clients and friends to remind myself that I do make a difference in my work. Then the first call I make is to someone who already believes in what I do. After that, the calls are easy. Think of it as priming the pump. If you run into a few rejections or difficult calls, intersperse those calls with a few friends again.

By 3pm, I had made several appointments. My office was clean. I knew what the week held for me and felt less at the mercy of winter. I kept working with renewed optimism and clarity. By 5pm both my desk and the sky were clear. I took a well-deserved Chihuahua break - we went for a walk... well, a bounce… Chihuahuas don't really walk.

You don't need God or anyone else to declare a holiday for you to get rid of your doldrums. Just focus on one thing at a time; take small chunks out of the overwhelming mess; then reward yourself with a mini-holiday of your own.

Beth