It is December. Black Friday has been and gone and the last of the bargain emails has hit my Inbox (I hope). Advent has started and we begin the journey towards Christmas. Some nice decorations are going up and whatever the cost-of-living crisis is doing to energy bills, some people are lighting trees and the outside of their houses. Endless lists are being made and heads scratched for ideas. Small people are practising for concerts, nativities, Christmas plays, and diaries are filling with all those visits that will be made prior to Christmas Day. Food is being planned and Christmas jumpers are coming out of the cupboard.

It is wonderful to have a little respite even if Ukraine is still bleeding and the football might not be going quite how some would wish.

So, what am I thinking about?

All of us are attending lots of events – some posh and glittery and some more casual even sedate. I am interested in who we mix with, who are our associates, who do we draw energy from? Are these people, friends or family? Or are they those friends you have had so long you now have nothing in common with?! Am I pleased to spend time with and be seen with these people or not?

Is my brand compatible with the people it is seeing, sitting next to, having fun with?

At the moment my brand is associating with Father Christmas – chubby, cuddly and rosy cheeked. He might even give you a “Ho Ho Ho” if you ask nicely. He loves children unreservedly and brings them what they fantasise about even if their behaviour might have been a bit patchy. He encourages and celebrates life. He has beautiful reindeer whom he loves and keeps perfectly to a tight timetable; so, no one is disappointed. He eats the mince pie left out for him and drinks the glass of scotch. He enjoys life. I love him. I love what he stands for.

My family has never been so close to Santa Claus. I am not sure why, but he never seems quite as cuddly or happy. His persona is slightly different. I am sure he is just as lovable as his cousin and if I meet him, I am pleased to see how well he embraces excited children; and again, I am in awe of the tight timetable he keeps to on Christmas Eve.

However, I do not associate with the spiky wicked elf. Goodness was not part of his makeup, and he brings nasty stories and nightmares for some. He delights in spiteful mischief and scares people of all ages. He has gone wrong in a big way and his mother must be ashamed of him and his antics. He symbolises all things bad. He is not invited to my table, and I suspect is not on most people’s Christmas list.

So, what about you? Who do you and your brand hang out with? The Bible says “By your friends you shall know them.” What do they say about you? Are you pleased to be associated with them? Are you happy that people see them as your friends? Are they an inspiring example to you? Do they bring good things into your life?

Do these people create positive occasions for you? Do they give you inspiration and energy? Do they encourage you to do good things and spread love? Are they an asset to your life all year round or are you secretly pleased when they leave and go home?

All of this stuff is important in my role as a mentor. How you feel about life, the universe and everything, will determine how you approach each day; how you work; you will draw encouragement from your type of people. They will motivate you and inspire you not just at Christmas but all year round. They will set an example that you are pleased to follow. If you want to explore this why not give me a call and we can talk about your challenges and who you need in your life. I love speaking with people, off the meter, to help them explore possibilities and whether/how to take them forward. I hope you will be one of them.

Happy Christmas everyone. Enjoy the people, the fun, and the love all around you this year,

Liz