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3 Reasons You Don’t Need to End the Year Strong in Your Business
‘You’ve got under 30 days left to achieve your goals’. ‘It’s now or never’. ‘It’s time to lock in if you want to end the year strong’. Sound familiar?
In the online business world, this time of year can be noisy. There’s pressure to finish, complete and achieve. We’re also supposed to be reflecting, reviewing, and learning from the last 12 months. And once that’s done, you should be mapping out your goals for next year, too. It’s a lot!
There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approac. It might be what you and your business needs in this season of life. But as ever, I want to remind you there’s another way. You don’t need to ‘end the year strong’ in your business, and it’s OK to slow down if that’s what your body’s telling you to do.
3 Reasons You Don’t Need to End the Year Strong in Your Business
1. The End of the Year is an Arbitrary Deadline
Hitting targets, achieving goals, and smashing deadlines feels great, but not when it comes at the expense of your overall health and wellbeing.
Sure, it would be nice to finish everything on your to-do list before December 31st (or whenever you close for Christmas), but it isn’t the be all and end all. There are always tasks that can wait until the new year, and you’ll probably do a better job if you tackle them after some rest. Read How to Shrug Off ‘Shoulds’ and Run Your Business On Your Own Terms for more advice.
2. Burnout is Real
Not giving yourself enough time to relax and unwind is a huge factor in burning out. As well as taking regular breaks throughout the working day, it’s important to create longer periods of downtime each week and at various intervals throughout the year.
Unless your business is seasonal and the run-up to Christmas is an important time for sales, it’s an ideal time to take your foot off the gas. Remember, rest is productive, and when you take time off, you’re investing in a burnout-free future. If annual leave isn’t on the cards for a while, read How to Be Productive and Avoid Burning Out.
3. Winter is a Natural Time for Rest and Reflection
If we take our cues from nature, it’s obvious this time of year is for slowing down, not speeding up. Animals, trees, and plants are conserving energy and preparing for spring. Studies show humans may need extra sleep, and longer periods of deep sleep, during winter, too. Not sure where to start? Read How to Rest to learn more.
My Tips for Ending the Year Softly
- Schedule some time off over Christmas and add a note to your email signature now. You might want to communicate the same information via social media.
- Be realistic about what you can achieve this month. Consider how much time and energy you have and plan accordingly.
- Be brutally honest about what’s essential and what isn’t. Let go of any tasks that fall into the latter category. You can revisit them in January if you need to.
- Say ‘no’ to new tasks and urgent deadlines that will add pressure. Again, it’s OK to let some things wait until the new year.
- Focus on gentle, calming activities as much as possible. I know it’s a busy time of year, but that’s why it’s so important to use your downtime wisely. Spend time in nature, try a quiet, soothing hobby, or make a warm, evening bath part of your bedtime routine.
- Listen to a calming, festive playlist while you work or try Beth Kempton’s Calming Christmas podcast.
- Spend time with loved ones or arrange to meet up with your colleagues or peers for Christmas drinks. Feeling connected improves overall happiness and reduces stress, especially when balanced with relaxing solo downtime.
- Reflect and review your year with kindness and compassion. Instead of focussing on what you haven’t finished, make a list of your accomplishments, both big and small. Alternatively, lean into gratitude. What opportunities or experiences are you thankful for this year?
- If you feel like setting goals for the new year, adopt a gentle approach. You don’t need to create a rigid to-do list for your first week back after Christmas. For more tips, read How to Set Goals (and Be Gentle with Yourself).
I Want You to Thrive
I’m passionate about helping people define the life they want, so they can follow their dreams and build a business that matches their vision. When you’re rested and ready, we can untangle your ideas, identify your priorities, clarify your goals, and create a plan for 2026. Learn more about 1:1 Business Coaching, Group Coaching or get in touch to discuss your options. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.