'Ben Thinking' -- ...and to all a good night!
It's about to get all Currier and Ives up in here.
We all have our favorite Christmas song. Our go to for that perfect holiday moment, whether in person or in our mind.
Want to know mine?
Here are some lyrics to give you a hint:
They say these are not the best of times/but they’re the only times I’ve ever known
Ok, so it’s a trick question*. That line is the opening to the Billy Joel song “Summer, Highland Falls”. But it’s appropriate given this year (and last year…and next year…) has been so…interesting.
As we settle in for a bit of winter hibernation, I think it’s important that we realize whether they are or aren’t the best of times, these are the times we know. It plays into why I love meditation and trying to embrace the idea of mindfulness. The only moment that matters is now, so you have no choice but to enjoy it.
So hit pause, put a bow on things, wind it down or just walk away – it’s time to enjoy these times. Wishing you all a fun holiday season!
*My real favorite Christmas song is Frank’s version of ‘The Christmas Waltz’
Special shout out to Mike for the theme…he has outdone himself!
Onto what I’ve Ben thinking about:
Hey, who believed in you?! (Chief Executive)
Why not pay that forward and make being a mentor part of your 2026 focus?
Here’s the reminder we all need – mentoring isn’t a science but it has mattered to so many of us in our work lives. The Chief Executive article highlighted is a short, succinct piece that is sharing the details around a new book titled Who Believed in You? How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World. I haven’t read it but will make plans to check it out. Or wait until Mel Robbins has the authors on.
One thing a mentor can’t help you with? The truth.
Because only you can do that. And once you’ve opened up to the possibility of accepting the truth, you can hear advice like this:
McDonald’s CEO: this is the advice I would give if I wasn’t worried about hurting your feelings. (Make It)
Remember that ‘Prison Mike’ (“The Convict”) episode of The Office? (Manufacturing Dive)
It was hilarious. But more importantly it was ahead of its time as Jan said how smart Josh was to take advantage of Dundler Mifflin’s second-chance hiring program.
That originally aired in 2006. Now we’re here, nearly, in 2026, and companies are truly starting to take full advantage of this smart move. Several manufacturing companies have established these programs and are seeing significant traction in addressing labor challenges.
LinkedIn shares video ad tips for 2026 (Social Media Today)
Warning, warning: these may change completely within the next few days. Or weeks. Or months.
Or not at all.
But for now, these are the (current) rules of play for video ads on LinkedIn.
5 questions to ask yourself ahead of 2026.
Amidst all the holiday cheer and celebrating with kith and kin, you may find that the chaos of the year will clear and you’ll actually be able to think a little.
If that happens…and if you find yourself with some of those precious moments, I thought I’d leave you with five questions worth asking yourself ahead of 2026. The best part about these questions? No right or wrong answers!
- Am I known for defending the status quo or championing what's next?
- If my role disappeared tomorrow, what would be the hardest part to replace?
- Am I solving today's problems or preparing for tomorrow's opportunities?
- If I interviewed for my own job today, what question would I hope they wouldn't ask?
- If my team could fix one thing about how I communicate, what would they choose?
Notice a pattern? Yep, they’re all about YOU. And quite frankly, it’s time for us to put some time aside for ourselves. We need it.
Speaking of you: Take care of your’elf, first. (WaPo)
A little holiday pun never hurt no one. But no, I’m not talking about moving that stupid wonderful elf around your house. I’m talking about you. Literally.
This newsletter exists to share stories that I think can help my readers. And a lot of you are probably faced with the same questions/challenges I am around diet, activity and overall healthy lifestyles. We’ve covered a lot in the wellness category, from sleep to brain health to meditation. However, have we talked protein yet? Well check that box!
What a scientist who studies protein and healthy aging eats in a day.
For the pod squad: Mel Robbins, again, for the win.
She has done it again, providing us with an inspiring end of year listen:
How to make 2026 your best year.
The latest episode of The Communicators is out!
Last one of the year: 3 things I stole for you
This is supposed to be fun!
Headline of the week:
Jeep’s Grand Wagoneer named best car to have sex in.
Well, we saved the best for last. This is an incredibly funny and smart campaign from Jeep. The full version of the commercial is linked in the headline and you have to watch it. Because we should be having fun with this ‘marketing stuff’!
A few Cliff Clavins for ya:
- Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song? What? Do we really need Thanksgiving songs? Thank goodness it became a Christmas song. The real question: if it had stayed a Thanksgiving song…would we have the ‘Batman smells’ version?
- Santa’s suit is red…thanks to Coca-Cola’s first ad campaign with him. In 1930! That cemented his suit as red. Up until that point it had been a variety of colors. Red and yellow and green and brown. And cue Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
- Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ is the most streamed Christmas song.
Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!
Thank you,
Ben
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