Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Working on Christmas Eve

As I write this at 9:30 PM on Christmas Eve, my plan is to hit "publish" on this article and then dive back into my workload. I will engage in additional outreach to authors, promoting their books to my 100,000 Instagram followers, followed by other key tasks that I believe will set me on the path to achieving my goals in 2024.

However, it's not straightforward to advise others on what to do on Christmas Eve. Since I am single and childless, my situation is less complicated. If you have a family that values your presence during the holidays, I believe your responsibilities can wait, even though I might argue that you could have been more productive throughout the week.

Most people tend to underperform.

Many individuals need to put in more effort rather than less. But I can't assume that you should adopt my intense work ethic, fueled by coffee and the drive for increased profits.

It's likely that you haven't put in enough time yet to justify taking holidays off; otherwise, you might have a team to handle tasks on Christmas Eve.

That said, perhaps you should head home. Taking time to recuperate is essential for returning even stronger after a break. After all, muscles grow during recovery, not while you're in the gym. You can't grind yourself down and expect to stay competitive.

I'm somewhat torn about this topic. I used to be conflicted until I realized that I am pursuing what I truly desire. I've deliberately crafted a lifestyle that doesn't leave me yearning for a vacation.

The excitement of working on my projects far outweighs any holiday festivities. Fine-tuning my offerings to a level where competition is irrelevant drives me more than the allure of holiday treats or gifts. Each day presents a gift, independent of my to-do list.

I GET to work on Christmas Eve — it's a choice, not an obligation. My role involves reading and discussing great literature, usually without charge. Why would I want to escape from my cherished library?

So while I can't dictate what you should do this Christmas Eve, I hope that by next year, you’ll find yourself engaged in something you can’t tear yourself away from. Otherwise, you'll likely be questioning your situation year after year, puzzled about why nothing changes.

Work diligently, prioritize your downtime, savor the small joys, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Yet, remember to build a life you don’t need to escape from.

In the meantime, connect with me across various platforms — Instagram, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Facebook — and check out my newsletters: The Stairway to Wisdom, The Competitive Advantage, and The Reading Life.

Until next time, happy reading!

Best,

Matt Karamazov

P.S. Embrace "The Reading Life!"

Each week, thousands receive my top book recommendations via email. Join over 2,400 individuals gaining insights from timeless literature. Click here to subscribe for free.

Chapter 2: Embracing Your Passion

This video features Anne Wilson's "Sunday Sermons," showcasing the power of music and storytelling to inspire and uplift.