12/8/25: From Overwhelm to Organized: Resetting Your Business Before the New Year

The end of the year is upon us…at least the end of working for the year.  There may be a few dedicated souls out there who trudge through the last 10 days like nothing is happening, but most are calling it quits next week.  I for one am using the 22nd and 23rd to really dig into the “End of Year Wrap Up” we are about to talk about, then I am off December 24th-January 5th (mostly). 

So you might be wondering, what is this “End of Year Wrap Up” you are talking about.  This is something I’ve done all the way back to my days in social selling.  It is time I take at the end of each year to regroup, reflect, and plan for the year to come.  Let’s just walk through what this looks like.

First, I go through my email.  I make sure anything outstanding is resolved or at the very least not just left in lingo.  I file away important emails into folders.  Then comes the hard part…get rid of what I don’t need anymore.  I for one always have folders that are just ridiculous to keep.  For example, I have a folder for each year my kids are in school…I probably don’t need emails from my 13 years old 2nd grade year.  Maybe you hoard receipts…whatever it may be, you know the files I’m talking about.  Get rid of those emails and folders that are just taking up space. 

Next, I do what I did to my email, to my computer 😬  This will pain some of you, but it is time to go through that desktop, downloads, and folders and get rid of what is unnecessary or outdated.  Free shipping graphics with dates 🗑️ Dated fliers 🗑️ Next is giving what you do need a folder or specific location.  And just remember, not every folder and file should be on your desktop.  Seriously, how do you expect to find anything when they are stacked on top of each other?!

The last part of caring for my digital space is reviewing my website, social media, and online profiles.  I like to make sure the information (descriptions, services, etc.) are still accurate. I take a little time (not a lot) to delete any posts or graphics that are no longer relevant or may be misleading.  Really, this should happen throughout the year as changes are needed so should take very little time.

Now it’s time to take care of my physical space.  I am guilty of keeping paper copies of digital files, even though I will never look at them.  This is the time of year where I give myself permission to toss them.  Maybe I have overdue shredding and filing to be done; now is the time to catch up.  It could be as simple as cleaning off that desk and bulletin board, giving yourself a clean palette for next year.  The purpose here is to purge, organize, and prepare to come back ready to work in January.

Now that my digital and physical spaces are ready, I reflect and restore my mind.  What does that mean you ask?

First, I reflect on the current year.  I am a goal setter so I sit down with my personal and professional goals I set last year and see what I achieved (NEVER WHAT I DIDN’T).  I highly recommend putting those positives to paper! I take time to celebrate my wins and examine what was not achieved.  Then I decide if what was not achieved, whether partially or fully, is still important and needs to be part of my goals for the new year.  Part of this is re-evaluating my priorities.  These may change with the season, but at a long shot, it is good to know what you value. 

After reflection, I look forward.  Again I need to know my priorities, both personal and professional, before I can set goals.  Take as much time as you need to know what matters most in both areas and overall.  Once you’ve done this, you are ready to start setting a path.

Typically, I will do my personal goals first.  These actually change very little each year, but depending where you are in life, you may see major changes.  I emphasize time with my family, individually and together, relationships outside my family, self-care, and reading.  My goals will vary a little around these priorities.

Then I make goals around my business.  Admittedly, this was very difficult as a new business owner this year, and you may face similar challenges if you are new in your business, but if you are established, it is important to set a 3-5 goals for the upcoming year (we’ll dig deeper into creating a strategy to reach goals another day).  The goals should center around your priorities, whether it be increased sales, increased customer base, community engagement, etc.  

When doing professional goal setting, I like to set a “baseline goal” which is really like the minimum I’d like to meet and a “stretch goal” which is a sort of “reach for the stars” goal.  Whatever it may be, make sure it is trackable/measurable.  Additionally, I like to tie rewards to some of my goals, not all of them.  It can be the most meaningful ones, all the “stretch”, really whatever system you would like to use.  Keep in mind, rewards do not have to be big.  For example, when I enroll my first client under this package, I will take my daughters to get their nails done.  Not extravagant, just something to celebrate.

Lastly, put all of it, personal and professional goals, to paper and keep them somewhere you can check in and track your progress.  I get “fancy” and do mine on the computer, print them, laminate them, and they are on the cork board hanging over my desk, which is where I try to sit and work.   Plan to routinely, check in on your progress.  And remember, goals may shift if business (or personal) needs and priorities shift, so be open to flexibility.

Like I said, we’ll talk about the path to reaching these goals a different day…soon! Once you’ve walked through these steps, you are ready to take a well deserved holiday break and have peace of mind knowing you are ready to dive back in come January. 

So tell me, when does your “vacation” start?  When will you be working through the “End of Year Wrap Up”?