The end of the year rarely arrives as neatly as we'd like.
There's always one more job to finish, one more email to answer or one more thing that needs attention before we can finally switch off.
Even when the calendar tells us it's time to stop, our minds can still be running through everything we haven't finished.
But at some point, we need to clean the bench, hang the tools up and let the season be finished.
And that's something I think we all need to give ourselves permission to do.
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Not Everything Got Done This Year
Before you log off for the year, I want you to take a moment to acknowledge something.
Not everything got done this year.
Some things took longer than expected. Some were harder than they should have been. Some plans changed, and some things might still be sitting on your to-do list.
It's easy to focus on what we didn't achieve, particularly when we're tired and looking back over everything we've been trying to manage.
But I want you to remember this: you're still here, still showing up, and that counts.
You don't have to finish every task or resolve every problem before you allow yourself to rest.
Sometimes, the most useful thing you can do is recognise that you've done what you could with the time, energy and resources you had.
The unfinished work can wait. You deserve a chance to recover, too.
Putting the Tools Down Isn't Giving Up
When I talk about putting the tools down, I'm not talking about giving up on your responsibilities or pretending the work doesn't matter.
I'm talking about recognising when it's time to stop.
Think about a workbench. The tools are useful because they're ready when you need them. But they need care, maintenance and time between jobs.
We're no different.
We need opportunities to step away from our responsibilities, recover our energy and make space for life outside work.
Rest isn't a reward you have to earn by finishing absolutely everything. It's part of how you maintain your capacity to keep going.
Putting the tools down gives you a chance to return to the next season with more energy and perspective.
Rest Is Part of Mental Fitness
I often talk about the practical skills we can build to help us navigate everyday life. But mental fitness isn't just about what we do when things become difficult.
It's also about recognising what we need before we reach the point of exhaustion.
When we're worn out, it's often harder to think clearly, manage our emotions and respond thoughtfully to the people around us.
It can also become harder to notice when someone else is struggling.
We might miss a change in someone's behaviour, overlook an opportunity to check in or simply not have the capacity to give a conversation the attention it deserves.
That's why I believe rest matters beyond our individual wellbeing.
Rest is part of prevention, too.
Taking care of ourselves doesn't mean we can prevent every crisis, but maintaining our capacity to notice, connect and respond can be an important part of supporting the people around us.
A Reminder for Leaders Before the Office Closes
If you lead a team, there's one practical thing I'd encourage you to do before everyone signs off for the holidays.
Make sure your people know exactly how to access support while the office is closed.
Don't assume everyone remembers where to find the information. Don't leave important contact details buried in a long email that people might never read again.
Make the information easy to find and keep it in writing.
Depending on your workplace, this might include:
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contact details and how to access the service.
Relevant mental health and crisis support contacts, including Lifeline.
Any internal arrangements for urgent workplace concerns during the closure.
Clear information about when the team will return and when normal support channels will resume.
It doesn't need to be complicated. A short, clear message can make it easier for someone to find the right support when they need it.
And if you're responsible for a team, remember that people don't stop experiencing difficult things just because the office is closed.
A little preparation before the break can make a meaningful difference.
Let the Season Be Finished
As the year comes to a close, it's worth asking yourself a different question.
Instead of asking, “What else do I need to get done?” try asking, “What can I reasonably leave until next year?”
You might need to finish a few essential tasks. You might need to hand something over or let someone know that a deadline will move.
But not everything needs to be carried across the finish line.
Give yourself permission to close the laptop, step away from the workbench and let the season end.
You have spent the year doing, managing, solving and showing up. You don't need to spend every remaining moment proving that you've done enough.
Sometimes, putting the tools down is exactly what allows you to pick them up again when the next season begins.
You're still here. You've made it through another year. And that counts.
