Finishing the Year Strong

As we approach the final weeks of the year – or any year –  it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to complete everything on our to-do lists. But what does it really mean to finish the year strong? In this solo episode, I share ten practical strategies to help you wrap up the year effectively—focusing on what truly matters while avoiding burnout.

Episode Highlights

What It Means to Finish the Year Strong

Finishing the year strong isn’t just about ticking off every task. It’s about achieving your highest-priority goals and making sure you don’t hit a wall right before the Christmas break. Too often, leaders push themselves to the limit, only to crash as soon as the holidays begin. In this episode, I talk about how to avoid that cycle and set yourself up for a successful start to the new year.

The Productivity Paradox

I draw inspiration from Oliver Burkeman’s 4000 Weeks and explore the productivity paradox—the idea that, despite our best efforts, we simply can’t do everything. Instead of trying to squeeze in every last task, we need to accept our limitations and make deliberate choices about where to focus our energy.

John Adair’s Task, Team, and Individual Model

To make these strategies actionable, I’ve structured them around John Adair’s Task, Team, and Individual model. These three areas provide a framework for how leaders can prioritise their work, support their teams, and take care of themselves as the year comes to a close.

Among the ten tips I cover, you’ll hear about:

• The Ripple Effect – How small actions create a lasting impact
• The Appreciation Factor – The power of gratitude in leadership
• The Adaptive Leader – Adjusting to change as the year wraps up
• Ruthless Prioritisation – Cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters

…and plenty more.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode will help you stay focused, avoid burnout, and finish the year with clarity and confidence.