Are You Ending the Year in a Sprint or a Spiral?

A quick reality check for your end-of-year energy (and your 2026 clarity).

You know that feeling when December hits and suddenly you’re supposed to reflect, plan, close things off and be present for the holidays?

There’s pressure to finish strong. Or start planning. Or pause completely.

Which is confusing because you probably want a mix of all three.

So you end up doing a little bit of everything… and feeling like none of it’s enough.

Let’s be honest this time of year gets messy.

Not because you’re disorganised, but because:

And the last thing you need is another pushy productivity post.

Instead, here’s a different approach.

Here’s how to close the year with clarity (not burnout):

1. Create a “Done for Now” list

You don’t need to finish everything. You just need to decide what can pause without guilt.

Look at what’s still open and choose 2-3 things that are safe to shelve until January.

This creates closure without overextending yourself.

2. Leave a note for “Future You”

Write yourself a quick restart guide, things to pick up, what not to forget, and what’s no longer a priority.

Ten minutes of prep now = less overwhelm when you come back.

3. Replace urgency with rhythm

What’s one simple weekly habit that would make next year smoother?

(Think: Monday accounts/ bookkeeping, Friday socials planning, or having some power hours locked in a day or two a week.)

Build rhythm to help you hit your goals.

You don’t need to go harder. You just need a gentler exit.

The way you end the year shapes how you begin the next one.

And the truth is January won’t magically feel easier unless you choose to finish December differently.

This isn’t about giving up, or pushing through.

It’s about winding down with intention so that 2026 starts with focus and energy, not exhaustion.

Need help building your restart plan?

It’s one of the things we love doing at Plan and Do HQ.

Let’s reset, refocus, and make space for a better year ahead.

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