SHOW NOTES

Episode 343: Your Pre-Holiday Survival Guide: How to generate more joy and balance amidst the chaos 

Host: Laura Cox Kaplan

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:

The holiday season can feel like a marathon of obligations, decisions, and to-do lists that leave us feeling stretched, overwhelmed, and sometimes even a bit resentful. But what if there were a better way? This week, Laura Cox Kaplan explores how you can approach the holidays with greater intention, joy, and, most importantly, equipoise. Drawing on insights from positive psychology and her own journey as a parent and leader, Laura Cox Kaplan shares a framework to help you navigate these busy months with more balance—and less burnout.

KEY TOPICS AND WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE “EQUIPOISE” MINDSET: Discover the concept of equipoise—a state of active, intentional balance—and why it’s essential for thriving (not just surviving) through the holidays.
• POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY MEETS PRACTICAL PLANNING: Laura Cox Kaplan introduces the PERMA framework (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) and shows how grounding your holiday decisions in these five elements supports true well-being.
• FIVE POWERFUL REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS: Learn the five essential questions to ask yourself before saying yes (or no) to invitations, obligations, and traditions. These are designed to help you align your time and energy with what actually matters to you.
• INFLUENCE & INTENTIONAL CHOICES: Explore why influence isn’t about doing more, but about being centered and present—and how making aligned decisions empowers you to show up with greater impact.

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This episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and step into the holiday season with more self-awareness, intention, and grace. Laura Cox Kaplan offers both the inspiration and the practical tools you need to survive—and thrive—during the busiest time of the year.

Try out the questions and let us know what changes for you! 

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