12/1/25: Finishing Strong: How to Close the Year with Focus, Not Frenzy

December is here!  This is a time for excitement and hustle, but if you are balancing a business and a family, now is also a time for focus, not frenzy, as we wind down the year.  

We’d love to think there is an entire month left to close out 2025, but in reality, it’s probably 2-3 weeks.  Most business owners will knock off at 5:00pm on December 23rd, or maybe sooner if their kids are done with school for the year, and be minimally present for business the rest of the year…as it should be.  Knowing that, let’s make the most of the next couple weeks.  

I’ve always said, BALANCE DOES NOT MEAN EQUAL and that is very true this time of year.  Be sure to communicate your holiday work plan to your family.  Make sure everyone is on the same page and understands the intensity you will be working your business with in early December.  Make sure everyone (including children in the family) understand this is the compromise to enjoy time together for the last 10 days of the year.  

With that said, do not forget to cut out time for important holiday traditions-church programs, school programs, holiday parties, etc.  Celebrations do not need to be disregarded as you focus on your business.  Also, give yourself the grace to say “no” if you need to, “yes” if you want to, and ask for help where it is needed.  

Once you have everyone at home on board with the December agenda, it is time to dig into business.  Above all, have a plan with a timeline, and make your best efforts at sticking to it.  Consider everything that needs to happen this time of year.  Will payroll dates change because of the days Christmas and New Years fall on?  If you have employees, will there be absences that affect your workload?  Does your business host any holiday celebrations or get-togethers you need to prepare for?  Should you extend hours to allow for working people to shop?  Do you need additional inventory for the holiday shopping surge?  Think about the past and plan accordingly.

If you are a new business or really celebrating your first holidays as a business owner (this is me), it may be difficult to know how to plan.  That is okay, too!  Work your plan and collect thoughts as you go.  Make note of those ideas and aspirations for next year.  That way, when we start planning your holiday schedule, there is more focus and less frenzy.  

Next week, I’m going to dial into what I call my “End of Year Wrap Up”.  This will get into the details of what all small business owners should do as they wrap up 2025 and get ready to roll into 2026.  For now, just focus on the next couple weeks; have a plan, stick to it, communicate it.  Stay focused!  

AND if you are ready to have a more clear and concise business plan in 2026, or want to strike a better balance with work and life, the Balance & Business with Melissa Group Mastermind is for you!  This is a 10-week small group coaching program designed to help you do everything from create a mission/vision/values to manage your time and boundaries around your priorities.  We have limited seating (7/10 seats remain) and would love to have you join.  If $1,499 isn’t in the budget right now, we have payment plan options.  2026 is a great time to choose to invest in yourself!

How will you invest in yourself in 2026?