The Holidays Are Over – Now What?

"Although no one can go back and create a brand-new beginning, anyone can start now and create a brand-new ending."
— Carl Bard

We all know the feeling: the holidays are over, and now it’s time to “get back on track.” Many of us fall into what’s often referred to as “Post-Holiday Syndrome.” It’s that slump where we feel drained—emotionally, physically, and mentally—and we keep putting things off.

People say “after the holidays” like it’s some magical time when everything will fall into place. But let’s be real—there were days before the holidays too, and we didn’t take action then either.

As the song by Naomi Shemer goes: "After the holidays, everything will be renewed, Weekdays will return again...You too will be renewed."

Why do we say we’re desperate for change, but get cold feet and avoid action? Why, even when we want to earn more, lose weight, get in shape, or chase a dream, do we feel this unexplained exhaustion and keep hoping “after the holidays” will fix it all?

How many times have you told yourself “after the holidays”? And how many holidays have passed since?

What actually happened after the holidays? Probably... nothing.

What’s Really Going On?

We tell ourselves we’re just too busy or overwhelmed, but the real reason is often a hidden fear. Fear of failing, fear of change, even fear of success. It’s also about limiting beliefs we hold about ourselves—believing we’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough.

Pushing things off comes with a hidden cost of frustration, anxiety, restlessness, low energy, health issues, depression, or burnout.

Some people fly through their to-do lists at work or home, but there’s still that “elephant in the room”—that one thing they keep putting off. It’s the dream, the big goal... that keeps getting postponed. “Not now... after the holidays.”

What Can You Do?

Start with honesty. Ask yourself: What exactly have I been postponing to “after the holidays”?

Make a list of everything you’ve been avoiding, big or small.
Is there a common theme? Do these things require a skill or resource you feel you lack?

Now ask: What’s really stopping me from starting? What story am I telling myself about why I can’t?

Fast-forward in your mind: If I don’t take action, how will this affect me in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? On the last day of my life, will I regret not doing this?

Face those fears head-on. Say to yourself: “I welcome miracles into my life. I let go of the fear of failure.”

What becomes possible when you truly believe that life has amazing things in store for you? What would you do differently if you accepted the idea that there’s no failure—only feedback?

Take time to reflect: What do I truly want to happen in my life?

I remember 25 years ago, I dreamed of starting my own business—running workshops and coaching using NLP tools. I told myself all kinds of stories and let the years pass. More holidays came and went...and I kept waiting for the “right time.”

Not now. Next year.

But deep inside, it was burning in me. It was my mission, my calling. I wanted to help people believe in their ability to grow and change—to plant seeds of hope and self-belief. Still, fear of failure and the need for financial security held me back.

What finally pushed me forward? I asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I regret not going for it?” That question shook me. I knew I would regret it—and by then, it would be too late.

So I made the leap: I closed the daycare I was running, gave up a steady income, sold the equipment, and launched the business of my dreams.

Was it easy? No. I had doubts, fears and challenges. But I kept reconnecting with my why—my deeper purpose.

I used the same mindset when it came to health. I lost 26 kg and have maintained healthy habits for years now, thank G-d.

When Your Goal Feels Too Big

Create a vision that excites you. Break your goal into small, achievable steps that let you experience success early on.“Doing even a little with the time you have takes you way farther than doing nothing at all.”— Byron Pulsifer

So yes—“after the holidays” is here.

The only question is: What will you do about it?

Dr. Rina Mordo, PhD, is a Master Trainer NLP in processes of change and growth.