3 ways to recharge during holidays and gear up for 2026

Courtesy of MDRT

Being a financial advisor is a demanding career; balancing client needs, business responsibilities and personal life can often make the year a blur. As the holiday season arrives, many advisors have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy time with family and friends.

While rest is important, staying on top of your skills, keeping your mind sharp and looking ahead helps make the break even more worthwhile. MDRT members share their personal strategies for using this time to recharge and grow, offering practical advice and inspiration for fellow financial professionals:

1. Get curious and practice skills

Bryson Milley CFP, CIM, FCSI
24-year MDRT member

Over the years, I’ve made it to a point to use this time to be more authentic and inquisitive during holiday parties and gatherings. Instead of sticking to small talk, I ask those around me, “What’s new and exciting in your world?” and do my best to remember their words (which sometimes means jotting down notes later after I’ve left).

Then, I do my best to remember and check in when I see them next year on how everything turned out. It may not directly impact my business, but I’ve found more depth in conversations about goals and dreams during the holidays than ever before. This habit has then helped me to be just as curious with my clients as I am in holiday party chatter.

2. Review learnings from the year

Rob Cullen FSCP, MBA
14-year MDRT member

I remember years ago hearing the phrase "you need to spend time working on your business by getting out of your business." Throughout the year, I attend conferences, and by getting out of my business it allows me to work on my business.

For example, how often do we review what we've learned at events and conferences so that we can put what we've learned into action? The holidays are a great time to review notes and put plans in place for the next year. Learning and sharing information has been by far the most impactful way for me to enhance my skills.

3. Reflect and set new goals

Juli McNeely CFP, CLU
18-year MDRT member

Setting goals is a MUST for advisors this time of year. The holidays are a time to enjoy family, but it can also be a slower time to do some real reflection on where you’ve been and where you are going.

I hold significant space in my calendar for reflection and goal setting multiple times in the last few months of the year - once with my business partner, once with my MDRT study group for peer input and once with my entire team. I, for one, get energized by a fresh new year and a new start, but that requires some time and reflection to make sure we aren’t just doing the same thing, different year.

Taking time to rest and recharge is crucial to success, but you can also dedicate time to personal development during the holiday break. Find small ways to keep up with the latest news and advice with podcasts, email newsletters or catch-up sessions with colleagues. Reflecting on the hard work you’ve completed through the last year can help to establish where you want to go in the year ahead. Here’s to a successful 2025 and a 2026 full of opportunity and growth.

About MDRT
Founded in 1927, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 80 nations and territories and nearly 700 companies. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit mdrt.org.