Minisode: How to End the Year Strong and Set Yourself Up for Success in 2026

mgraziano45
Nov 3
2 min read

As the final quarter of the year kicks off, we’re taking stock of our goals, energy, and plans to end the year strong while setting up for a successful start to 2026.

In this mini-episode of Adventures in Business, we share how we navigate one of the busiest times of the year.

End the Year Strong in Business

For Mandi, who wears many hats between event management, coaching, and speaking, Q4 is all about timing and communication. Hotels are eager to close out business before the year ends, which means great deals for her clients, if they act fast.

“I start priming the pump about a month out,” Mandi explains. “If my customers want to get something done by the end of the year, we start sourcing now.”

She also makes it clear which deals will roll over into the next year. “When I note that a project won’t sign this year, hotels always ask, ‘What could I do to get you to sign now?’ It keeps everyone aligned and expectations clear.”

On the coaching side, Mandi’s focus shifts toward budget planning. She’s sending proposals to help clients allocate funds for training and development in the new year. “One side of my business is closing, and the other side is ramping up,” she says. “It’s just two different kinds of busy.”

Laying the Groundwork for the Year Ahead

For Amani, the fourth quarter is about lining up new opportunities, from speaking engagements to one-on-one coaching clients.

He focuses on setting up work that will kick off early in the next year, helping his clients (many in the creative and entertainment industries) use the holiday season productively.

“It’s important to start the year off strong,” Amani shares. “We plan ahead so clients can launch new projects, releases, or festival submissions right as the year begins.”

He’s also prepping his teaching schedule and grading workload, which adds another layer of organization to his December plans.

Finding Balance in the Fourth Quarter

Even for two seasoned entrepreneurs, the end of the year brings challenges around balance and rest. For Mandi, after years in sales, the holidays used to feel like an endless sprint. But she’s been working hard to create boundaries and protect her downtime.

“My husband’s university closes for two weeks over the holidays,” she says. “That’s our time to be together. Whether we’re visiting family or staying home, I’m really intentional about protecting that.”

For Amani, who’s still growing his coaching business, fully shutting down remains a work in progress. “I’m always trying to get stuff on the books,” he laughs. “But this year, I’m hoping to take a trip and recharge a bit.”

Celebrate the Wins

Both Amani and Mandi reflect on their growth this year, from book launches to bestselling collaborations to helping friends and clients achieve major milestones.

“We’re all guilty of not celebrating our mini wins,” Mandi reminds us. “But when you look back, you realize how far you’ve come.”

It’s a fitting reminder that ending the year strong isn’t just about numbers or bookings, but about acknowledging progress and setting intentions for what’s next.