Many people feel rushed and overwhelmed as the calendar year approaches its final quarter. The last few months of the year can seem like a sprint to the finish line, especially if you want to finish strong. In contrast, this period can be highly productive if you utilize it well.
Here are five strategies to help you finish strong this year
1. Reassess and Prioritize What to Focus On
Take some time to assess the goals you had set for this year. Are they still relevant? Have your priorities shifted or changed? Reassessing your goals allows you to determine if they need adjustments or if they’re still aligned with your vision.
Next, prioritize your goals based on their importance and viability. Focus on high-impact goals that will bring the most significant results within a short time. Prioritizing helps you concentrate your efforts on what truly matters.
Given that we’re focusing on business here, ensure that your #1 goal is a business one. You can also add 2 other goals that you want to push in the last quarter of the year.
2. Break Down Larger Goals
Large goals can be overwhelming and seem insurmountable as the end of the year approaches. You need to focus and work on smaller or micro-goals if you want to finish strong this year.
Now that you have your prioritized goals, break them down into smaller milestones. Assign deadlines to each milestone so that you stay organized and track your progress more effectively.
For example, if your goal is to launch a new group coaching program, you can set micro-goals such as:
- Identify your target audience and their needs.
- Conduct market research.
- Develop your coaching program.
- Create a marketing strategy to test the program in the marketplace.
- Set up systems for onboarding and working with new clients.
- Work with clients and updating your coaching program as you progress.
- Refine your marketing and preparing to promote the next cohort.
These milestones make it easier to stay focused as you work on your goal.
Finally, assign a celebration to each milestone. Acknowledging these smaller victories keeps you motivated and reinforces your commitment to achieving your goals.
3. Create a Year-End Action Plan
This is a detailed action plan for the final months of the year. An organized plan keeps you on track and makes your task list more manageable.
Your plan should consist of the activities required to achieve the key milestones you identified for each goal.
First, break each milestone into smaller, actionable tasks with specific deadlines.
Next, determine the resources (time, money, and personnel) you need to execute your plan effectively. Ensure you allocate these resources appropriately to avoid any last-minute shortages or disruptions.
4. Get Accountability
It’s hard to push your goals and finish strong without regular accountability. Here are some ways you can stay accountable as you work on your goals at any time of the year.
Find an Accountability Partner
This is someone whom you trust and who is available to help you stay focused. It can be a friend, relative, mentor, or a business partner.
You can also have a formal accountability partner who is in business and you work together to finish strong this year.
Share your goals and action plan with your accountability partner. Also have regular check-ins for support, feedback, and encouragement.
Join a Support Group or Mastermind
Consider joining a group of like-minded individuals who are working towards similar goals. This can be an informal group or a formal mastermind. The collective energy and shared experiences can be motivating and provide valuable insights.
If you’re a woman in business, check out the Finish Strong Challenge which is a mastermind that is created specifically for women like you.
This 12-week business mastermind is ideal if:
- You’re a solopreneur or self-employed professional.
- You have a part-time business while holding a full-time job.
- Are in business full-time and have a team of 1-5 employees.
You get to focus on building or growing your business with support and accountability from me and other members of your group.
Click here to find out more about the Finish Strong Challenge.
Track Progress Publicly
Some people are comfortable sharing their goals publicly on their websites, blogs, social media, or in professional networks. Public accountability can increase your commitment and motivation to follow through.
However, only try this if you don’t mind getting some negative feedback and criticism. Otherwise, avoid this tactic if you get distracted by negative comments about your goals.
Work with a Coach
The last quarter of the year is always busy for coaches as people rush to finish strong that year. You can sign up for a group coaching program that matches your needs or work 1-1 with a Coach.
Also, check out the Finish Strong Challenge where I help women in business focus on their business goals without losing out on what matters most to them.
5. Regularly Evaluate Your Progress
It’s important to reflect and adjust your plan as you work on your milestones. So set aside time each week or month to review your progress against the action plan.
Assess what’s working well and identify any areas where you need to improve. Adjust your action plan as needed based on this review.
Be prepared to adjust if you encounter obstacles or if your priorities shift. This will ensure that you address challenges before they become roadblocks to your progress. The reviews also keep you focused on what’s important, which in turn helps you stay on track.
Prepare for the New Year
Conduct a final review of your goals and achievements at the end of the year. Identify what you’ve learned and how you can apply these lessons to future goals. Then use your reflections to plan for the next year.
With these 5 strategies in place, you will finish strong this year and set yourself up for a successful start in the new year.
Want to make the most of your business goals and finish strong this year?
Join the Finish Strong Challenge and get support, accountability, and guidance as you work on your top business goals.
Click here to sign up for the Finish Strong Challenge today.
(Image Credit: Pixabay)
