Simple Steps to Finish the Year Strong and Ready for What’s Next
Can you believe we’re down to the last 35 working days of the year?
That’s right—35 opportunities left to finish the year strong and set yourself up for an incredible start to the next one. But hey, I get it: You’re probably juggling a thousand things, from closing projects to planning holiday promotions and family visits. If the end of the year feels like a blur, you’re not alone! So, let’s talk about how to use these remaining days to make real progress (and, yes, maybe enjoy a bit of the holiday cheer too).
Here are some practical (and a few cheeky) ideas for making these last few weeks count:
1. Define Your Non-Negotiables
First things first—what needs to happen before the clock strikes midnight on December 31? Maybe you want to wrap up a big project, finally launch that newsletter, or even just clear out your inbox. Write down your top three non-negotiables. These aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re must-haves. Stick to them, and let the rest fall into place.
2. Focus on Quick Wins
Forget about launching massive initiatives right now. Instead, identify a few “quick wins” that can give you momentum. Think of actions that will have a quick payoff, like sending out a client check-in email, updating your website’s “About” page, or connecting with a few people on LinkedIn. Every little bit helps, and you’ll feel accomplished without overwhelming yourself.
3. Audit & Optimize
Ah, the end-of-year audit—it sounds daunting, but hear me out. Take a morning to look over your business essentials. How’s your social media looking? Are your services and pricing up to date? What about your email list? Small tweaks now can lead to big results come January. Plus, optimizing is a nice way to procrastinate… ahem, I mean, prioritize before the new year.
4. Lean Into Your Community
Solopreneurship doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Join a group of like-minded women who get what you’re going through. We, at International Creative Women, are all about connection and support. Our Coffee & Ideas and Wine & Ideas meetups are perfect for brainstorming, networking, and swapping year-end survival tips. Think of us as your business besties—here to support, cheer, and help you move forward.
5. Plan for Downtime
6. Lay Out a Game Plan for January
Use this time to outline a simple roadmap for January. I’m not talking about an elaborate business plan. Just a handful of goals to guide your start to the year, along with a list of resources and people you want to connect with. This way, you can roll into January with clarity and confidence.
7. Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small
Did you learn a new skill this year? Land a new client? Even if it’s just updating your LinkedIn profile, celebrate it. Every step forward matters, and your progress deserves a little acknowledgment. Grab a glass of bubbly or treat yourself to something special—you’ve earned it.
These last 35 days don’t need to be a whirlwind of stress and deadlines. With a little planning and a lot of self-compassion, you can make the most of them, wrapping up your year with a sense of pride. So go on, give yourself the gift of a year-end that’s meaningful, manageable, and just the right amount of merry!
By focusing on actionable goals, building connections, and giving yourself room to reflect, you’ll close out the year with purpose—and position yourself to start the new one on a high note. Ready to make these 35 days count? Let’s do it, one step at a time.
