Expatpreneur Series 3: Finding Pace

I hope you’re enjoying the new year with renewed energy and focus! As part of finding my balance, I’ll be shifting the Expatpreneur Series from weekly to biweekly postings. Honestly, the first week of January was all about preparing and promoting my talk on accessibility in web design, inspired by my post, Accessibility for All.

If you missed the live session, don’t worry—I plan to host another one next month! In my talk, I explored the importance of making websites accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and shared practical tips to promote inclusivity in design.

Some of the key points included:

• The accessibility principles: Why they matter and how to implement them effectively.

• Simple but impactful changes: Improving color contrast, adding alt text, and ensuring keyboard navigation.

• Benefits for businesses: Accessibility enhances SEO, widens reach, and creates a better user experience.

The live discussion was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore accessibility's role in building a more inclusive web. Stay tuned for updates on the next session—I’d love to see you there!

Now, let’s dive into today’s topic: Finding Your Pace After the Holidays.

Expatpreneur: Finding Your Pace After the Holidays

Adjusting to a New Year’s Rhythm

I hope your holidays went well! In Italy, the festive season stretches far beyond December, with celebrations lingering well into the new year. My kids are still home until February, so this time is not just about returning to work but also about finding a rhythm that balances family and productivity.

I've come to appreciate the Italian way of celebrating holidays—it’s a time for intentional pauses and togetherness. However, adjusting to this extended break often challenges me to rethink how I approach my schedule and goals as the new year begins.

This year, I’ve focused on easing back into work with small, meaningful steps rather than rushing to regain momentum. It’s about working smarter, not more complicated, and finding satisfaction in the process.

Harnessing the Power of Reflection

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from Italy’s extended holiday season is the importance of reflection. Businesses here often close for weeks, and while that initially felt like a disruption, I now see it as an opportunity to reflect on the past year.

For me, reflection means asking questions like:

• What did I accomplish that I’m proud of?

• Where did I encounter challenges, and what did they teach me?

• How can I approach my goals with more clarity and intention?

These reflective moments don’t happen automatically; I carve out time for them, even during the busyness of family life. This practice gives me a clearer sense of direction and purpose for the future.

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Redefining Productivity for the Long Term

As entrepreneurs, we often feel pressured to constantly produce—whether it’s content, new ideas, or client work. Social media doesn’t take a holiday, and the fear of missing out can be hard to ignore. But I’ve learned to redefine productivity in a way that prioritizes longevity over burnout.

For instance, I planned ahead by scheduling posts and keeping light content flowing during the holidays. But more importantly, I gave myself permission to step back and recharge. Actual productivity comes not from always being "on" but from pacing yourself for sustained success.

Taking breaks has taught me that rest is not wasted time; it’s fuel for creativity and innovation. Returning to work with a fresh perspective is often more impactful than pushing through without pause.

Drawing Inspiration from Italian Traditions

Italy’s holiday season is a feast for the senses. From the glow of Christmas lights to the bustling mercatini di Natale (Christmas markets) and the quiet elegance of La Vigilia (Christmas Eve dinner), the traditions here are deeply rooted in connection and presence.

As an expat living in Italy, I’ve found the holidays to be a balancing act between embracing local customs and holding on to my own. This year, I brought some of my culture to Italy by preparing a Thanksgiving meal for Christmas Eve, just for my sons and me. It was a way to express my roots and create a sense of home away from home. While Italian traditions often center on large family gatherings, living far from extended family means finding creative ways to bring warmth and nostalgia into our celebrations.

For expat businesspeople, participating in these cultural moments is more than just a way to celebrate the season—it’s an opportunity to recharge, draw inspiration, and refocus on their goals. These experiences provide a fresh perspective, deepen connections, and spark creativity, all of which can directly influence their work:

• Community: Sitting down for our Thanksgiving-inspired dinner reminded me of the joy of creating meaningful traditions with my sons. For expats, blending cultural identities through personal and professional traditions strengthens relationships and reinforces the sense of belonging—a crucial element when managing a business far from home.

• Cultural Discovery: One of my favorite traditions in Italy is visiting the German market at Santa Croce in Florence. The festive lights, charming booths, and vin brulé always evoke a holiday spirit. These moments nurture a personal connection to the culture and inspire new ideas for creative branding, marketing, or storytelling in business.

• Inspiration: The holiday season here always stirs my creativity. Whether designing festive graphics for social media or reflecting on the beauty of Florence during this magical time, these inspirations often translate into fresh, engaging concepts for my work.

Blending cultures has become an essential part of my life in Italy. From keeping Italian traditions like Befana filling the stockings on Epiphany Eve—even though my children are much older—to creating new ones of our own, these moments remind me of the importance of balance: honoring where I come from while embracing where I am now.

Moving Into the New Year

As the holiday lights fade and routines return, I find myself stepping into the new year with a renewed sense of focus. The holiday season has taught me that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time to reflect, reconnect, and realign doesn’t slow your business down; it gives you the energy and clarity to move forward with purpose.

This year, I’m approaching my goals with intentionality:

• Set Intentions, Not Resolutions: Instead of rigid goals, I’m focusing on how I want to feel and what I want to achieve.

• Celebrate Wins, Big and Small: Reflecting on the past year helps me appreciate the progress I’ve made.

• Create Space for Creativity: With a clear mind, I’m ready to embrace fresh ideas and opportunities.

Focusing on Yourself and Your Business

As expats, we often juggle personal traditions, cultural adjustments, and the demands of running a business in a foreign setting. The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to step back, take stock, and refocus.

When family gatherings are smaller, or children are elsewhere, the quieter moments can become valuable time for self-care and business rejuvenation. For an expat entrepreneur, these reflective pauses aren’t just about recharging—they invest in long-term success.

Here’s how I’ve embraced this perspective:

• Rejuvenate Your Mind: Engage with the season's beauty, whether by strolling through the festive streets or savoring a warm cup of vin brulé. These moments spark calm, creativity, and focus.

• Refocus Your Goals: Use this downtime to consider what you want to achieve in your business. Reflect on the lessons the holidays offer—presence, intentionality, and connection—and incorporate those values into your work.

• Reconnect with Yourself: Whether through professional development, creative projects, or simply taking time away from the screen, investing in yourself ensures you’re prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For expat entrepreneurs, balancing the personal and professional is always a challenge, but the holiday season provides a clear reminder: slowing down isn’t a step back—it’s a way forward.

Buon Anno!