Who deserves a gift this year?
- Danielle Hughes
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Best holiday self-investment ideas for creatives and professionals
Somehow the holidays are next week! Sunday night for my tribe members and in 13 days for my other side of the tribe members. It’s been a year!
But as you scramble for all the last minute gifts for loved ones, clients, customers, service providers, etc., don’t forget to get something for the most important person in your life — YOU!
In today’s newsletter I’m sharing offers and opportunities (some free, some with special pricing) from some of my favorite service providers. These include how to master difficult conversations, how to be accountable to yourself and your business, how to own your narrative and how to finally write that book you’ve been putting off.
Don’t delay! Give yourself the gift of one or all of these amazing offers!
Master difficult conversations with Madeline Schwarz
Give yourself the one skill that will make your end of year (and next year) easier.
Difficult conversations can be tricky.
You don’t want to lose your cool.
You don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.
You don’t want to say the wrong thing.
But conflicts don’t solve themself.
That’s why you need a system.
The Difficult Conversation System gets you past nervousness and uncertainty. It teaches you how to respond to feedback without getting defensive, how to say what’s on your mind without ruminating for weeks on end, how to answer questions without shutting down.
These are the skills that build influence and consensus. Download The Difficult Conversation System for free:
Build your comeback plan with Jill Consor Beck
Give yourself a short, surgical reboot — a 45‑minute Clarity Session + 7 days of daily text support to triage the mess, restore momentum, and produce one clear next strategic move. This is a bridge to momentum, not a substitute for deep work.
When: Sessions begin Jan 27. Price: $360. Limited spots.
NOTE: I normally work in 3‑month minimum engagements because durable change needs time. If you choose to continue into a 3‑month or a 6-month program within 60 days of completing 'The Comeback Plan', the $360 you paid will be applied as a credit toward the full package — so the short stint converts cleanly into the long game.
Buy by Dec. 24 to lock your slot.
Make 2026 the year you write your book with Linda Secondari
If you've been carrying around a book idea — and telling yourself “maybe next year” — consider this your sign.
2026 can be the year your book becomes real. Not someday. Not “when you have time.” But with the right support, starting now.
The Strategic Author is a 3 month program created by publishing strategist Linda Secondari to help authors move from hopeful idea to confident publishing plan. It’s not about editing prose — it’s about setting a smart foundation to realize your book in 2026. This program is a great fit for fiction, non fiction, children’s, and memoir.
You’ll get:
A compelling, strategic concept that will stand out in the market
A deeper understanding of your audience and how to reach them
A practical plan for publishing, and promoting your book
A collaborative group setting where accountability is gentle but real
This isn’t about rushing. It’s about beginning — strategically, thoughtfully, and with purpose.
Enrollment for the February cohort is open now. 2026 is coming.
Discover the impact of accountability with the Creatives Roundtable
Monday December 15 is the last day to join the Creatives Roundtable, small group accountability and community. Nancy Ruzow and I have one spot left for the 2026 session and would love to have another creative professional join us. You’ll even get me as your coach, cheerleader and all around supporter!
At the CREATIVES ROUNDTABLE, you’ll find brand strategists, writers, designers, illustrators, developers, marketing pros, and more — all here for the same reason: to grow creative businesses that actually thrive.
We challenge each other. Celebrate each other. Push each other forward.
Because when different minds come together, big things happen.
Join the conversation. Grow your business. Find your people. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the community and the group. Or you can apply now!
Own your narrative with Melissa Bloom and me
Calling all bold, brilliant, curious women:
If your story isn’t doing justice to your talent? We’re fixing that.
On Dec 16, Melissa Bloom and I are hosting Own Your Narrative — a free AMA for women who want to stand out, speak up, and step forward.
Bring your questions. Bring your pivots. Bring that half-formed “I think I might be ready for something new?” whisper.
We’ll tackle:
🔥 Branding without the BS
🔥 Pivoting with power
🔥 Leading without waiting for permission
🔥 Reigniting momentum when your motivation is napping
🔥 How to actually sound like a human on LinkedIn (my specialty, obviously)
It’s one hour. Zero cost. Maximum clarity. Grab your spot and let’s make your story work as hard as you do.
What gifts should I get for myself during the holidays?
Absolutely the ones that actually make your life easier next year. Think: learning how to handle difficult conversations without sweating through your shirt, getting accountability so you stop ghosting your own goals, finally writing the book you keep talking about, or showing up with a stronger narrative. These aren’t splurges — they’re strategic self-investments disguised as gifts.
Are holiday offers for coaching, writing, or accountability programs even worth it?
Short answer: yes, if they help you move forward instead of spinning in circles. The offers in this post come from experts who actually teach things you’ll use — like clarity, communication, accountability, and getting unstuck. They’re priced for action, not impulse regret.
How do I choose the right end-of-year program when I feel overwhelmed?
Pick based on your biggest stuck point. Need to say harder things without spiraling? Go for the Difficult Conversation System. Need momentum? Grab the Clarity Session. Have a book inside you? That’s Linda. Need direction and community? The Creatives Roundtable. Want to sound like a human online? Own Your Narrative is your room. Your next step becomes obvious once you know which version of You needs support.
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