Running errands the other day, I found myself amidst a bizarre mix of Halloween and Christmas decorations—an unmistakable sign that the year is rapidly drawing to a close. And as I reflect on it, it’s been a good one. I’ve had some awesome coaching clients, added some new, exciting consulting experiences to WorkSprout’s resume, had some incredible family time and vacations this year (including being fresh off a thrilling week in Costa Rica!) and I'm about hit my goal of my 200th Pure Barre class.

As we approach the year’s end, I’m guiding my clients not just to reflect, but to actively finish the year strong. With 90 days left, there’s ample opportunity to make a significant impact on both career and personal development. Instead of letting the year drift away in a fog of pumpkin spice lattes and Hallmark holiday movies, I’m urging my clients to focus on finishing with purpose and setting a solid foundation for an even more successful year ahead. 

Here are ten key actions I’m recommending to close out the year on a high note:

Conduct a Self-Assessment: There’s nothing like some good, old-fashioned self-reflection. Now is a great time of year to take stock of your achievements, skills, and areas for development.

I recently carved out a half day in a local coworking space for my own self-assessment following the question set from Your Best Year Yet. It was a great opportunity to refocus, and I came away with some clear, actionable next steps that I'm already implementing. 

Set Short-Term Goals & Identify Low-Hanging Fruit: As the year winds down and holiday distractions start to swirl, many people inadvertently let their momentum slip. To stand out, use this time to inject fresh energy into your work. Focus on areas where you can capitalize on recent successes—perhaps your team just wrapped up a successful project, and you can harness that momentum to drive a new initiative forward. Or maybe there's a stalled project that just needs a final push to cross the finish line.

By zeroing in on these achievable wins, you’ll set yourself up for a strong finish and position yourself for even greater success in the coming year. Personally, I find my best bet is to prioritize 2 or 3, and then use that momentum to approach the rest. 

Enhance Your Online Presence: If you haven’t already, start a regular rhythm of sharing your expertise and insights through blog posts, articles, or social media updates. This not only helps position you as a thought leader but also boosts your visibility within your industry. While it can feel uncomfortable to step into the spotlight, crafting a strong professional brand is increasingly essential, and is a need I see every day in working with my coaching clients who are looking to make a career move.

Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Reach out to mentors or colleagues for feedback on your performance and advice on areas where you can grow. Constructive feedback is a goldmine for personal and professional development. 

To get the most out of these conversations, come prepared with specific questions, like, “What changes could I make on the ABC project to drive better results or improve team dynamics?” or “How did I come across in the XYZ meeting? What can I do to communicate more effectively in that setting?” Targeting your questions this way ensures you get actionable insights that truly help you progress.

Experiment with a New Working Style: Shake things up by changing your work environment or routine—whether that means working from a new location or trying out a fresh productivity technique. This experimentation can unlock new levels of effectiveness and spark your creativity. 

For instance, I have found a local coworking/coffee shop space at a large church a mile from my house. I grab a drip coffee, my AirPods, and an instrumental Piano Guys playlist to knock out some heads-down creative work. The switch-up has been incredibly refreshing and productive for me. Bonus, they have an indoor track so I can put in a few laps (with the full lyric music of course) when I need a break. Sometimes a simple change like this can make a big difference in your workday and your energy.

Expand Your Network: As our calendars fill up with holiday parties and end-of-year events, don’t forget to carve out time for industry gatherings, training webinars, and networking meetings. And don’t discount the potential opportunities that can come through volunteering–I recently made a great connection while helping at my daughter’s school. 

During the holidays there are always organizations looking for help, and giving time to a good cause while connecting with new people over a common passion is a win-win. Plus, strengthening your network now can open doors to new opportunities and give you a head start in the new year. While everyone else will be busy making New Year’s resolutions and forging new connections, you’ll already have a robust network to support your goals.

Schedule a "No Agenda" Meeting: When I was in the corporate world, I often felt trapped in a relentless cycle of meetings, leaving little room for strategic thinking (or even a visit to the ladies’ room!) Break free from that tactical grind by setting up a meeting with a mentor or colleague without a set agenda. Use this time for open-ended conversation and brainstorming—it’s often these unstructured discussions that spark unexpected insights and reveal new opportunities.

Take a Strategic Break: Speaking of brain breaks, stepping away from work can actually boost your productivity and creativity in the long run. Consider taking a day to dive into something completely unrelated to your job—whether that’s taking a cooking class, going on a long hike, or diving into a book. Giving your brain a chance to "air out" by learning something new can help you recharge and return with a refreshed perspective and renewed energy.

Volunteer for a Leadership Role: Step up to lead a team or project outside your usual responsibilities. This doesn’t have to be confined to work; consider volunteering at your child’s school or an organization you’re passionate about. It’s a powerful way to sharpen your leadership skills and show your ability to handle new challenges–because take it from me, if you can navigate a debate over cupcake flavors for Teacher Appreciation Week or walkup songs at Little League, you can handle anything!

Plan and Prepare for a Career Transition: If you’re eyeing a career change, now is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork. Dive into research on potential fields, refresh your resume to align with new roles, and network with professionals in your target industry. By doing this prep work now, you’ll be well-positioned to hit the ground running and catapult your job search into high gear come the new year when hiring budgets are fresh and companies have big goals to meet.

As we embrace the final stretch of the year, remember that the last 90 days are not just about wrapping up the year but also about setting the stage for the one ahead. Use this time to reflect, strategize, and take bold steps that will propel you forward. The journey to success is as much about the actions you take now as it is about the goals you set for tomorrow. So, dive in, embrace the opportunities, and finish the year strong—you’ve got this!

Interested in learning more about coaching and building human workplaces? Send me a note at Katherine@worksproutpartners.com.