The end of the year can feel like a pressure cooker. Deadlines loom, goals hang in the balance, and the temptation to say, “I’ll just handle it next quarter,” can creep in.
But if we pause for a moment and shift our perspective, the final weeks of a quarter present a unique opportunity: a chance to finish strong and build momentum for what’s next.
This is true not just in our professional lives but also in our personal lives. How we choose to close out this chapter — whether with purpose or passivity — can set the tone for what’s to come. The good news? Ending the quarter well doesn’t require perfection. It requires focus. And focus, as any leader or individual knows, is a skill worth honing.
Here’s how to close the quarter with clarity, energy, and intentionality.
Revisit, refocus
One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do in these final weeks is revisit your quarterly objectives. Too often, we set ambitious goals at the start of the year, and then let the whirlwind of life or work pull us away from them. Now is the time to ask: “What did I commit to accomplishing this quarter, and how can I bring those commitments to the finish line?”
In the workplace, this might mean revisiting sales targets or wrapping up a critical project. For example, if your team is just shy of meeting its revenue goal, shift your energy toward closing those last few deals. Or, if a project is dragging its feet, decide which tasks must be completed now and which can wait.
At home, revisiting goals could look like completing small, meaningful tasks that have been put off—organizing the garage, reconnecting with a friend, or finally booking that family getaway.
But here’s the key: Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Focus on what’s still achievable and let that become your target.
Prioritize
The biggest mistake people make at the end of a quarter is trying to do everything. When we spread ourselves too thin, we risk accomplishing nothing of real value. The solution is to get crystal clear on your priorities.
Start by asking three questions:
— What’s urgent?
— What’s important?
— What can wait?
At work, this might mean zeroing in on the clients or tasks that deliver the most value. For example, instead of chasing down every lead, focus on nurturing the ones that are closest to closing. At home, this might mean setting aside lesser chores and devoting time to something more fulfilling, like a family dinner or a long-overdue conversation.
The truth is, we can’t do everything, but we can do the things that matter most.
Keep energy high
It’s one thing to set priorities. It’s another thing to have the energy to follow through on them. As the quarter winds down, it’s easy to feel drained, but that’s exactly when it’s most important to stay energized.
For yourself, this might mean taking small but deliberate steps to recharge: a quick workout, a short walk, or even just a deep breath to refocus. Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep and nutrition—two things that are often the first to go when we’re feeling stretched.
For teams, keeping energy high might look like recognizing and celebrating progress. Did someone go above and beyond on a project? Acknowledge it. Did your team make it through a particularly tough quarter? Take a moment to reflect on the resilience it took to get there.
At home, this might mean gathering your family for a mini celebration of the wins you’ve had this quarter, whether big or small. Celebrating progress builds morale and reminds everyone—yourself included—that their efforts matter.
Tie up loose ends
Loose ends have a way of hanging over us like a cloud. Whether it’s an incomplete task or a nagging relationship issue, unfinished business can rob us of the satisfaction that comes from a strong finish.
At work, tying up loose ends might mean finalizing reports, submitting expense claims, or resolving a lingering client concern. These small actions might not feel glamorous, but they clear the runway for a fresh start next quarter.
At home, consider what personal or household tasks need closure. Is there an email you’ve been meaning to send? A bill you need to pay? A closet that’s begging to be decluttered? Completing these tasks, even if they’re minor, creates a sense of accomplishment that can carry into the next phase.
Build momentum
Finally, take time to reflect—not to criticize yourself, but to learn. Ask yourself:
—What worked well this quarter?
—What didn’t go as planned, and why?
—What lessons can I carry forward?
For leaders, this reflection might happen in a team meeting where everyone shares their wins and lessons learned. For individuals, it might look like journaling or having a conversation with a trusted friend, coach, or mentor.
The purpose of reflection is not to dwell on mistakes but to extract insights that can inform your next steps. For example, if a major project fell short of expectations, what would you do differently next time? If a personal goal was missed, what got in the way?
Reflection isn’t about fixing the past; it’s about building a better future.
Finishing strong
Here’s the thing about closing a quarter with intention: It’s not just about hitting a target or checking boxes. It’s about honoring the effort you’ve already put in and laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Whether in work or life, finishing strong sends a powerful message—to yourself and others—that you’re committed to excellence.
As you navigate these final weeks, remember this: You don’t have to do it all. But you can choose to do the things that matter most, with focus, energy, and heart. And when you do, you’ll not only end this quarter on a high note—you’ll set yourself up for success in the next.
So, what’s your next step? Take it. Finish strong.
Patti Cotton is a thought partner to CEOs and other business leaders to help manage complexity and change. Reach her via email at Patti@PattiCotton.com.
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