Soooo, we’re in the swing of October, folks! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday I was swearing that this year was going to be my best one yet. And don’t get me wrong, some amazing things happened to me…it’s been interesting But you know what’s even more interesting? The way I used to dread this time of year. Yep, the fourth quarter was basically my personal hell. I’d look at all my goals, aspirations, and dreams from January, and they weren’t even close to done. Some of them? Let’s just say they never even made it past the dream stage. Cue the dramatic wah wah sound.
But now? Oh honey, I’ve turned things around, and I’m here to share the good news (and maybe a few laughs along the way). Let’s talk about why the end of the year doesn’t have to suck, why it’s not too late to get things done, and why being a tortoise isn’t the worst thing ever.
From Dread to Determination: My Fourth Quarter Transformation
There was a time when reaching October would trigger a full-on existential crisis. You know what I mean—looking back at all those goals I’d been so sure I’d crush by now and realizing, “Oops, I didn’t even start on half of these.” It used to bum me out. The holidays would roll in, and instead of looking forward to stuffing my face with pie (which, honestly, should be a life goal in itself), I’d be wallowing in self-pity.
Here’s the irony: Not only would I feel like a failure, but I’d also add extra pressure on myself for the next year. “Oh, I didn’t finish that 30-book reading goal? I guess next year it’ll be 50!” (Spoiler: Still didn’t finish those 50.)
But here’s where the magic happened: I stopped beating myself up over what didn’t happen and started focusing on what could still happen. You see, it wasn’t about reaching all the goals—because let’s be real, I set them astronomically high—it was about actively striving to reach them. And even if I moved at a turtle’s pace, I was still moving forward.
Small Wins, Big Progress: Why It’s Not Too Late to Crush It
Check this out: A lot of people fear this time of year because they focus on what they haven’t done instead of what they have. You’re so busy scanning for those huge leaps that you completely overlook the tiny steps you’ve made along the way. And those steps? They matter!
Trust me, I get it. I’ve spent this year in what I affectionately call “hermit mode,” and my movement has been less “Usain Bolt sprinting” and more “tortoise plodding along.” But you know what? Even tortoises finish the race. And sometimes, it’s that slow and steady approach that helps you win in the long run.
The key is to stop beating yourself up for not being where you thought you’d be and start appreciating where you are. Look back on the year and ask yourself, “What small wins can I celebrate?” Maybe you didn’t hit that revenue goal, but did you make some new connections? Learn a new skill? Those things are important too.
Rethink the Timeline: Why Success Doesn’t Have an Expiration Date
You didn’t hit your goal by October 1st. So what? You’re not off track—you’re just on a different track.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Life doesn’t always follow the neat little timeline we set for it. You know that saying, “Man plans, and God laughs”? Yeah, that. Sometimes you’re off by a few months, or maybe even a few years. But when it’s time for you to be where you’re meant to be, guess what? You’ll get there. And when you do, you’ll appreciate the journey even more.
If you’re looking at this year with dread, thinking, “What did I even accomplish?”—stop right there. It’s not about what has or hasn’t been accomplished to this point. It’s about using this time to set yourself up for success next year. Don’t just carry over your unfinished goals; ask yourself, “What am I willing to do to make it happen next year?”
Intentional Action: Leading with Purpose, Not Panic
One of the biggest shifts for me was learning to lead with intentional action instead of panic. There was a time when I would hit this part of the year and think, “Oh my God, I need to do everything right now!” And spoiler: I ended up doing none of it.
But now? I’ve learned that it’s not about cramming everything in before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. It’s about taking steady, intentional steps that propel you forward. You don’t need to get out of control or take on more than you can handle. Instead, focus on what you can do right now to get a little closer to your goal.
Even if you’re moving slowly, you’re still moving. And that’s what counts.
The Power of Words: What Are You Telling Yourself?
Okay, I’m going to get a little woo-woo for a second, but bear with me. Words are spells, and that’s why it’s called “spelling.” (I know, mind-blowing, right?) What you tell yourself matters, and if you’re constantly saying, “I’m not where I need to be,” or “I’ve wasted this year,” you’re casting some pretty negative spells.
Instead, try rephrasing it: “I’m exactly where I need to be,” or “I’m learning and growing every day.” Words have power, and when you start speaking to yourself kindly and with belief, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to stay motivated. You’ll start to believe in yourself again, and that’s when the real magic happens.
Next Steps: How to Slay the Final Quarter
Now that we’ve had this little heart-to-heart, it’s time to take action. Here’s how you can turn the final stretch of the year into the stepping stone for a killer 2025:
- Celebrate your small wins: Grab a piece of paper and write down everything you did accomplish this year, no matter how small. Yes, finishing that Netflix series counts (sort of).
- Set intentional, realistic goals: Focus on what you can actually do in the next few months. Maybe it’s revisiting a goal you set earlier or starting fresh with something new.
- Reframe your mindset: Stop telling yourself what you haven’t done, and start focusing on what you can do. Words are powerful, so use them wisely.
- Keep moving, even slowly: Whether you’re sprinting or crawling, forward motion is still forward motion. Take one small step every day, and trust that it’s enough.
- Plan for 2025 now: Use this time to set yourself up for success next year. Ask yourself what you’re willing to do to make it happen, and start laying the groundwork now.
Remember, it’s not about finishing the year perfectly—it’s about finishing strong. I believe in you. And remember, as always, I love you. 💙
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