Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed how to ease into the season strategically, manage the September shuffle, and understand how our Enneagram types influence our approach to change (Sept. 5 Blog | Sept. 12 Blog | Sept. 19 Blog).
As September wraps up and we transition further into fall, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come this year and set clear intentions for the final quarter, which begins next week!
This week, we’re focusing on finishing the year strong by setting intentions and goals that will carry us through the last three months of 2024 with purpose and clarity—all while enjoying the upcoming holiday seasons, family, and friends.
Reflect on the Year So Far
Before diving into new goals, it’s essential to pause and reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far this year.
Think about your goals at the beginning of the year—what progress have you made? What challenges did you encounter? What surprised you along the way? Did you review your progress mid-year? What challenges or surprises did you notice then?
Reflection isn’t about looking back; it’s also about learning and adjusting. Maybe some goals are irrelevant, or you’ve achieved more than expected in certain areas.
Don’t stop at reflection.
Document your lessons and observations while they’re top of mind. Then, use these reflections to guide your intentions for the last quarter. This process not only helps you recognize your progress but also sets a foundation for the goals you’ll focus on as the year comes to a close.
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
With your reflections in mind, it’s time to set new goals for the final quarter. You know, it is common to suggest that we draft SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But as I reflect on our clients’ success, it’s most important that the goals are RELEVANT and clear. Whether you’re focusing on personal growth, professional development, or a mix of both, clarity is essential. (You can always go back and make them SMART, but if they aren’t relevant then you have SMART goals that won’t take you where you want to go.
Once you have your goals, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This will make them less overwhelming and allow you to track your progress more easily. For example, if one of your goals is to complete a project by the end of the year, identify the key milestones you need to hit each month to stay on track.
Don’t forget to align your goals with the lessons you’ve learned throughout the year. This alignment ensures that your goals are achievable, meaningful, and relevant to where you are in your life right now.
Stay Motivated
Maintaining motivation through the end of the year can be challenging, especially as the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches. But with the right strategies, you can keep your momentum going.
- Set up Accountability: Share your goals with a friend, colleague, or accountability partner. Regular check-ins can keep you on track and provide support when you need it.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until the end of the year to celebrate your accomplishments. Recognize and reward yourself for the small victories along the way. This can be as simple as treating yourself to something special or taking a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come.
- Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals. This can help reinforce your commitment and keep you focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Keep it Real. It’s easy to draft goals and milestones, and even easier to over-promise what is possible to yourself and your team. If you have five goals, pick three to COMMIT TO ABSOLUTELY. Then, if you have the time and resources, you can start work on the others.
As we get ready to welcome October, remember…
September isn’t just the start of a new season; it’s also a time to set the stage for a strong finish to the year. By reflecting on your progress, setting clear and achievable goals, and staying motivated, you can make the most of the last quarter and enter the new year with a sense of accomplishment and readiness for whatever comes next.
As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to take a moment this week to set your intentions for the rest of the year. We’d love to hear about the goals you are focusing on. How are you planning to stay motivated? Please share your thoughts and let’s support each other in making this last quarter the best yet!
#reflection #setinentions #setgoals #motivation #accountability #GoodbyeSeptember #visualizesuccess
