It’s the final stretch of the year. Remember those goals you set for 2025? “New year, new me”? It’s easy to look back and feel demotivated for not achieving every milestone. By the time we get to September and October, many people abandon their goals they set in January. The good news is that you don’t have to finish everything to feel proud of 2025. On top of that, by now, you’re probably already tired. The motivation that felt so alive in January is now barely a flicker. And yet this stretch, the last few months of the year, is where momentum is built or broken.
It’s important to reflect on what you have accomplished for the year. Before you push forward, reflect and look back at: What have you achieved this year? What goals still matter? Are these goals still relevant, if so, can they be dropped or adjusted?
Let go of what is draining your energy and instead focus on what fuels you.
Here’s how to finish strong and power through the last few months of the year with intention. Simplify your goals to make them more achievable. If your energy is running low, don’t pile on more. Focus on tasks that align with your most important values and responsibilities.
Narrowing your focus will allow you to prioritize the goal that would make the most difference. Like completing a work project or just simply focusing on your health or mental wellbeing. The good news is that routine drives results, partner that with consistency to help you stay grounded, which creates a sustainable rhythm providing the support and flow to achieve these goals. Setting out specific time to place focus on your goals will feel less of a burden and more of a choice.
Keep a checklist and celebrate those small wins, which will create a sense of accomplishment. This will create confidence and motivation to finish the year strong. The end of year brings about its own set of obligations and social gatherings which would mean that you need to be selective of how you spend your time and energy.
Feeling demotivated? Always begin with the end in mind. Visualise that sense of completion and accomplishment to help you push through. Don’t forget the point is not to pressure yourself, but to stay anchored in purpose. That feeling you’re chasing isn’t in the distant future. It’s in every decision you make from now until then.
With three months left in the year, there’s still time left to complete some of those goals and make progress. Enough time to redirect, time to recommit and more than enough time to finish strong. The goal isn’t to sprint toward burnout. The goal is to close the year with clarity, intention and peace on your terms.
So, take a deep breath. Reset your focus. And remember: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela. You don’t have to do it all now you just have to do what matters. Let’s finish 2025 strong!
Deidre Henneberry – Mentor 2025 – IIG Council
