So Reader, if you're like most of my clients and colleagues, you're probably seeing signs of the end-of-year scramble.​

The SVP needs your budget submitted before the 31st--and you're OOO starting the 15th.

The client wants to squeeze in one more meeting since their business is "slower"—forgetting that yours is not.

Plus, if you're a leader of people, you may have performance reviews or salary conversations that need to be complete before your people see different $$$ in their direct deposit. 💵

Or maybe you're on deadline to write your OWN self-review (gulp—help is here if that's you).

Adding to the frenzy? We want the people we care about at work to know that we care.

But how do we make space for that? Where's the time? What do we DO????

Well, you don't need to throw a fancy office party or stress over presents that might hit the wrong note—or end up in the Goodwill bin.

You need to accelerate appreciation (btw, it's chapter 10 in my book.)

Yup, at this time of year (and actually, all across the year) appreciation is the superpower to flex.

And showing appreciation is not just about being "nice." Science (geek alert 🧬) shows us that when we express appreciation to others, we also get a kickback of happy hormones in our own bodies—oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin.

What a bonus! When we do something nice for others, we do something nice for ourselves. 😇

But how do you START? Here's my simple script.

✅ First, think of three people who've made an impact on you (or someone you care about) this year. Maybe they pitched in when you needed it without you having to ask. Or maybe they offered a kind word at the perfect time. It doesn't have to be anything big--if it sticks in your brain, it mattered.

(Struggling to think of anyone? Go back through your calendar and emails. You'll uncover a treasure trove of reminders of people and events that involved you this year. 🗓️)

✅ Second, set a timer for 7 minutes. That's it! A timed sprint helps you get things done and not overthink it—or talk yourself out of it.

✅ Now with the clock ticking, email each person with this script (adjust as you like so it sounds like YOU!)

Hey [their name]—with the holidays coming up quickly, I wanted to take a second and say thank you for your support of me during this past year.

One thing I appreciate about you is [get specific on why, such as "you always encourage me" or "you catch my mistakes without making me feel bad" or "you always get things done when you say you will, and that makes my work a lot easier." ]

I'm looking forward to [our continued work together, seeing you at the gym ,etc.] and hope the new year is a great one for you, your family and friends. Thanks again!

Then sign it however you normally would, and hit SEND.

The 5-⭐️ version of this process is to send this message in a traditional mailed-to-home card. 📫 Yes, people still do this!!!

If you've got a postal address—or if a little googlesleuthing can find it--invest in a stamp and send the note. In our digital deluge, physical cards stand out—they're saved and savored. 💌

So Reader, how will YOU make space for appreciation this year? I always love to hear from you—hit REPLY and tell me more about the person you need to thank the most.

Most of all, THANK YOU for being here with me right now, wherever you are, whenever you're reading this. Know I appreciate your attention and value the things you do in our world—it matters, more than you know. Let's soar!

Always, Darcy

P.S. Want a cool New Year's gift for your team that says "I appreciate you and want you to stay"? Book me for an online or in-person workshop or fireside chat in 2026. It's always my honor to spend time with people that matter to you!!

We can also arrange for paperback, ebook, or even audiobook copies of "Red Cape Rescue: Save Your Career Without Leaving Your Job" at a savings over the online booksellers. Just hit REPLY to this note and we'll set up a chat, or schedule from my speaking page here. Talk soon! -D