Tis the season for gift-giving! Have you selected one for yourself? Something special that you’ve needed or wanted for a long time? Something that will help you be at your leadership best in 2011? If you’re still searching, maybe there’s something on this list that’s just right for you!

<em>An hour a week of self-care.</em> Take time to laugh, play, learn, read, dance, sing, exercise or may be even do nothing. Pay attention to your feelings and show your strength by reaching out for support when you need a boost. Nurture yourself so you can nurture others.

<em>Dedicated reflection time.</em> Carve out a few minutes at the end of the day to ponder, appreciate and feel gratitude for what went well and what you learned. Let this upbeat contemplation time shape your mental script for the next day.

<em>A daily dose of self-appreciation.</em> Value all the good things you are, rather than fixating on what you aren’t. Rejoice in your strengths, understand your weaknesses and be gentle with yourself.

<em>Heartbeats in the spreadsheets for those whom you lead.</em> Practice accountability and expect solid performance, to be sure; but liberally sprinkle genuine caring, sharing and heartfelt laughter, too.

<em>An on/off switch for your inner critic. </em> Use what the dude’s got to say as input, not as the final end-all or be-all. Be satisfied with excellence (it can happen) and don’t drive yourself crazy chasing perfection (it won’t happen).

<em>A five-minute timer for daily connecting.</em> Make a call, send an email, walk down the hall and chat with a colleague, comment on a blog, talk to the stranger in line behind you at the coffee shop, tell someone they’ve done a good job. Connections build relationships, and relationships are the currency of the workplace, and the world.

<em>A rollicking belly laugh once a week and daily smiles.</em> Neither costs a dime, yet what an investment in feeding your soul…and that of others.

Do you have something else on your list?  Go for it, you deserve it!