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Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas JoyA 3-Minute Christmas Energy Check for Leaders

Find highlights in DE and EN at the end

Welcome to your Christmas edition of the DesignChange newsletter!

As a child, I loved watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It was part of our family ritual.

Every year, the same lesson landed: joy can’t be stolen if you don’t let it 😉

But here’s what I notice with leaders this time of year.

We hand our joy over willingly.

Year-end deadlines. Family obligations. That one relative whose comments you’re already rehearsing responses to in your head.

While the Grinch had his mountain, Germans have Krampus 👹 lurking in December traditions.

But your biggest energy thief? It’s not external—it’s inside of you.

What if the real Grinch this Christmas is the story you’re telling yourself about the holidays?

🎄 LeadershipLab Tip: Name Your Grinch

Your 3-Minute Christmas Energy Check

This isn’t about fixing everything before the year ends. It’s about more self-awareness.

1. Name Your Grinch What family dynamic or interaction are you dreading? Write it down. One specific thing. Not everything. Just one.

2. Question the Story What if this year could be different? You’re not the same person you were last Christmas. Give yourself permission to show up differently. To set a boundary. To be good enough.

3. One Small Boundary What’s one thing you can say yes or no to that protects your peace?

Examples:

Awareness already weakens the Grinch. You don’t need to fix the whole dynamic. Even if you just name what’s stealing your energy, it helps.

🤖 MirandAI Update: New Video + Looking for Qualified Testers

I’ve added a fresh intro video on me and on MirandAI to my YouTube channel. Do check it out and give me a “like” for Christmas❣️Its in German with an automatic EN translation.

MirandAI is my AI coaching companion that provides 24/7 support between our sessions. So far, this is a hybrid coaching offer which means, it builds on and deepens what we work on together. MirandAI is a private, EU AI conform, safe space to reflect and act, rehearse difficult conversations and practice emotional regulation. Anytime you need it.

I’m looking for qualified testers interested in this hybrid coaching approach. If you’re curious about how AI can extend our coaching relationship, book a consultation here.

🌿 A Final Thought

As we close this year with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, I want to acknowledge something we don’t say enough: we live in a peaceful land.

This isn’t about minimizing your stress. Year-end pressure is real. Family dynamics are real.

But perspective matters. Especially for leaders.

Your joy is yours to keep. The Grinch only wins if you hand it over.

Wishing you a peaceful, Grinch-transformed holiday💫

Karla Schlaepfer and the DesignChange team

Your heart might not grow three sizes this December (Grinch story). But protecting your peace? That’s leadership too.

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Leadership Lab: When Being Smart Isn’t Enough