Welcome back to The Executive Coach blog, where we're translating the insights from our latest podcast episode into actionable steps for you.
As we find ourselves firmly in Q4 of 2024, it's time to set ourselves up for a strong finish to the year. As of this Monday (7 Oct 2024), we have precisely 85 days left of 2024 - a substantial chunk of time to make significant strides towards our goals.
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we're entering a visually striking autumnal period, rich with festivities. Globally, this time of year is punctuated with various celebrations. So, as we consider our goals for the quarter, we must also account for what I call the 'hard landscape' - those fixed events in our calendars, be they specific occasions or travel commitments.
But let's not forget the importance of 'filling our cup' in seasonally appropriate ways. This could look very different depending on your personality type. For some, it might mean leaning into an active social calendar that energises you. For others it might involve more nurturing, seasonal activities to restore energy during a busier period.
I want to share three key strategies for you to make the most of this quarter. These ideas were inspired by a post from Laura Vanderkam about the final hundred days of the year.
1. Creating your seasonal feel-good list
2. Tackling a one-off project to complete (or get into good shape) before year-end
3. Planning your year-end review and 2025 planning
Each of these strategies is designed to help you boost aligned attainment of the right goals while ensuring you have a beautiful Q4, whatever that means for you. Let's make these last 85 days of 2024 truly count!
1. Create Your Seasonal Feel-Good List
First up, let's talk about making your autumn magical. Whether you're an extrovert energised by a busy social calendar or an introvert who needs some restorative activities to balance out the festive bustle, it's crucial to intentionally plan for what fills your cup.
Here's a peek at my seasonal feel-good list:
- Conker hunting with my son
- Leaf-stomping walks on crisp, dry days
- Brewing homemade pumpkin spice coffee
- Cosy, rainy morning walks followed by that perfect cup of coffee
- Evening podcasts while decluttering
- Perfecting my healthy apple crumble and chickpea blondie recipes
- Lighting soy-based aromatherapy candles for a calming atmosphere
Remember, this list is about you - what makes you feel good during this season? It's your permission slip to create balance amidst the busy-ness.
2. Start and Finish an Exciting Q4 Project
Rather than dusting off January's resolutions, why not choose a project you can start and finish before the year's end? This gives you a clear north star for the quarter and taps into the motivational power of a visible finish line (what psychologists call the "goal gradient hypothesis").
Some ideas:
- Train for a New Year's Eve daytime 10K run (maybe with some fizz after!!)
- Complete a home project like framing and hanging all those photos
- Kickstart a strategic work project, that is also aligned with your career vision
- Join my Vision Builder programme build a proper 10 year vision and create the perfect foundation for aligned 2025 goals
- Enrol in my new 90-day "Unwritten Rules of Reaching the C-Suite" programme to unlock your personal blueprint for elevating your career, based on your own style and preferences.
Choose something that excites you and will give you that "I did it!" feeling come 31st December.
3. Plan Your Year-End Review and 2025 Strategy
Start thinking about who you want to involve in your year-end reflections and future planning. This might include:
- Your boss and key team members at work
- Your partner or spouse
- Close friends or a "work bestie"
- Your mastermind group (if you have one)
Consider scheduling these conversations now, perhaps over a festive coffee. It's a great way to celebrate achievements, strengthen relationships, and set the stage for an amazing 2025.
For your personal planning, why not treat yourself to a beautiful new planner or notebook? Laura Vanderkam suggests creating a mini-retreat for yourself – even half a day can be transformative for mapping out your vision for the coming year.
(Exciting news: I've just finalised creating a programme that takes you from a 10-year vision all the way down to granular daily planning. Reach out if you'd like to learn more!)
If you want to listen in to today’s , you can catch up with The Executive Coach Podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-executive-coach-c-suite-career-planning-goals/id1463542602 (Apple Podcasts)
OR https://open.spotify.com/show/12x8jhevqX6GtF085Nhtmt (Spotify)
P.S. If you're realising you're not clear on those bigger goals and visions that drive your quarterly planning, you might enjoy this conversation I had with Anita Anello about getting clarity on your long-term direction.
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