Issue 40: Finishing The Year Strong
THE LEAP
BY QUANTUM ORANGE
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE
ISSUE 40 | FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG
Each week The (Quantum) Leap summarises a key aspect of success into what you need to Think, Feel and Do to create a personal shift.
THINK
Significant decline in productivity in the last few months of the year is very common. Sometimes it’s due to lack of planning or energy, sometimes distraction, often stress.
Whatever the reason, it’s vital you do what you must to maintain your focus and motivation through to the end of the year so you can finish on a positive, productive note.
There are three important things to remember on this subject:
1: There is nothing particularly special about the 31st December in and of itself. What matters is that it gives you a timeline to aim for - when you dig deep and achieve what you set out to, you not only gain a sense of accomplishment, you also build confidence and resilience as you overcome the challenges you meet along the way.
2: There may only be a small number of weeks left in the year - but you can impact on 100% of them if you choose to.
3: Now is not the time to try to accomplish every goal you’ve ever set. It’s the time to select the two or three most impactful targets and throw everything you’ve got at those.
You have two months left - where do you want to land by the end of December?
What three targets are you going to aim at?
What will you need to do to hit them?
FEEL
Your ability to finish the year strong is dependent on two things: your health and your willingness to seek support. More than anything else, they are what will give you the clarity, energy and heart needed to bring this year to a close in a way you can be proud of.
1: Stay healthy.
When time is tight, it can be tempting to put your personal needs aside - don’t. Your strength and effectiveness depends on your physical, mental and emotional health. Be deliberate about taking care of yourself so you can stay in balance and make a real impact on the weeks that remain.
2: Seek support.
Your support network is invaluable - not just for backup when you need it, but also for perspective and guidance. You are not alone, so reach out and connect with your people. Ask for support and offer your own.
- How will you put your health and wellbeing first during the coming weeks?
- What priorities do you need to set into your calendar to stay balanced?
- Which parts of your support network will you lean on?
- How will you do that?
- How can you support someone else in your network?
- What feelings will you need to lean on to finish the year strong, and how can you do that?
DO
It takes discipline and commitment to finish strong. In what remains of this year, I encourage you to narrow your focus onto your remaining goals, avoid distractions and refuse to rush.
When you stay focused and motivated, you’ll produce high quality work in whatever area you direct your attention to and finish the year exactly as you mean to.
Try the following:
Set Goals & Plan
- Which goals am I narrowing my focus to?
- Why are those goals important to me?
- How can I be most effective?
- What is my plan for achieving these targets?
- What might need my attention as the year closes that is not goal related? (Think family plans, personal space and special events).
Get Organised & Motivated
- Prioritise smaller tasks based on the plans you’ve made.
- Make sure you have what you need to stick to the plan.
- Include appointments with yourself (health and wellbeing) in your diary.
- Develop a few strategies for keeping yourself motivated.
- Be ready to adapt - not everything will go as planned.
Take Action
- Dive in and get some stuff done.
- Nothing beats taking action.
Read. Watch. Listen.
