Jake Thompson, CSP’s Post

It’s not the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time of the year when your attention is pulled in a hundred different directions. It’s the time of the year when you know you are absolutely going to run out of road but you still seem to be travelling at a hundred miles an hour towards the edge. It’s the time of the year when your energy is drained by tinsel and flashing lights and too many people in busy, noisy spaces. So it’s also the time of year to get brutal with your task list. To be harshly realistic about the time and the headspace you will actually have next week. To be ruthless about what isn’t going to be done this year – and won’t be carried forward into next year either. To be intentional about what you choose to do with the final week of the year, rather than letting the week rule you. It’s not easy. You will feel guilty about what you're not going to get to. But the more you can get ahead of yourself today and early next week, the more you’ll feel set up for a wonderful break. And it’ll help you make a clearer and more refreshed start to 2025. What can you do now to make next week slightly more wonderful?

In this homestretch of the calendar year, friendly reminder to all: we have maybe a handful of "get things done" days remaining. And most brains aren't firing on all cylinders by this point in the year. It's the wrap up time of year. The clear out to make space for the next things time of year. The review how things have gone time of year. The slow down for a moment time of year. This is not the start a new thing with a deadline of December 31st time of year. (Goes triple or more if it involves dependencies. Don't do that to yourself, your teams, your fam, your org...) The back half of December is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, connect, and clear the proverbial cache of all the little lingering notes, to do items, and areas that can be either released entirely or wrapped up as a present for future you to have less stress. (Yes, pun intended.) Where possible, enable yourself and your teams to finish *calm* rather than the pressure to "finish strong." After all, there is tremendous strength in knowing when to pause, breathe, and avoid the pull of busy-ness for its own sake. Give yourself the gift of new beginnings in the new year. Give yourself the present of presence in the rest of the current year. Trite? Maybe. Helpful? I certainly hope so.

As we approach another January, I can’t help but wonder: What exactly is new about the new year? Is it the number on the calendar? The promises we make to ourselves? Or is it something deeper? Truthfully, you don’t need a brand-new set of 365 days to start over. You don’t need a clean slate to begin working toward your goals or changing your habits. The idea of a “new year” is symbolic, it’s an invitation to reflect, reset, and realign. But the truth is, every single day offers the same opportunity. Think about it: If you have a goal you’ve been postponing, why wait for January 1? If there’s a habit you’ve been trying to break, why not begin today? If there’s a dream you’ve been holding back on, what’s stopping you right now? The “new” in the new year isn’t the time, it’s the mindset. It’s the decision to take action, to start fresh, and to show up for yourself. The calendar won’t change your life, but you can. So, what if you started today? What if you embraced this very moment as your turning point? What if you stopped waiting for the perfect time and realized that any time can be perfect if you’re willing to begin? The truth is, life doesn’t need a countdown or fireworks for you to make a change. It just needs your commitment. Newness isn’t tied to a date—it’s tied to a decision. Whether it’s December 20th, January 1st, or April 15th, the power to restart is always in your hands. So don’t wait for the new year to be new. Start where you are. Start now.

I am shutting down for the year (here are a few words of wisdom) They will help you plan, prioritize, and execute better, so you can achieve your goals. 1. Reflect on the past year: Take some time to think about what worked and what didn't. Identify your achievements and areas for improvement. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand and what you need to focus on next year. 2. Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve in the next year. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you stay focused and motivated. 3. Plan your actions: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline for each task and set deadlines. This will help you stay organized and on track. 4. Prioritize your tasks: Use a tool like the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to prioritize your tasks. Focus on what's important and urgent, and delegate or eliminate the rest. This will help you use your time and energy more efficiently. 5. Stay flexible: Be prepared for unexpected challenges and changes. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities. This will help you navigate the ups and downs of the year. Take care, LinkedIn fam; I can't wait to unveil what I have been cooking during the past three months. Feliza Navidad, and a happy new year! P.S. Is there anything else you would add?

Countdown to the Last 30 Days of the Year: Let’s End It Strong! . The year’s almost over, but there’s still time to end on a high note and here’s a Mini *To-Do list* to make the last month of the year count and set the stage for an incredible year ahead: 1️⃣ Start Fresh: 👉 Declutter your workspace, organize tasks, and set clear priorities. 👉 Let go of what didn’t work and approach your goals with a fresh mindset. 2️⃣ Face your Fears: 👉 Tackle one procrastinated task by breaking it into steps and making daily progress. 👉 Read this to get over your fears- https://lnkd.in/dAya8vpu 3️⃣ Set Mini goals: 👉 Make micro goals maybe planning a day or a week's schedule. 4️⃣ Stop complaining, Start practicing: 👉 Rather than dwelling on setbacks, shift your energy to solutions. 👉 Dedicate daily time to improving a skill, habit, or relationship. 5️⃣ Reflect and Recharge: 👉 Spend time each week reflecting on what you’ve achieved and what you want to carry forward. 👉 Celebrate progress, rest, and gear up for a strong start to the new year. . . Ps- Make it a December to Remember! . What are you plans for December? Drop in the comments below! . Img Credit: Southern living . ##SelfImprovement #Mondaymotivation #linkedinlearnings

✨ It’s Time to Press Reset ✨ Let’s be honest: weekends aren’t just for .... ... unwinding—they’re for resetting. Whether you took time to relax, reflect, or simply recharge, one thing’s for sure: this week is your blank canvas. 👈🏿 January is almost over, and February is peeking around the corner. Are you feeling energized or overwhelmed? ✨ Here’s a truth to hold onto: You’ve already started shaping the year ahead. And if you haven’t, it’s not too late. Take these last days of January to prepare. Or, ease into the loving energy of February to lay your foundation. Because in March, you’ll sprint into your winner’s race. 🌟 Why March? 🤔 Because nature aligns with growth in March—the true new year, as ancient wisdom reminds us. Renewal, rebirth, and resilience. 🌱 This Week’s Focus: 🔑 Stay grounded in your vision. 🔑 Ignore distractions that try to pull you away from your essence. 🔑 Keep your eyes on the path, no matter how loud the noise gets. ✨ Your Challenge: 🌱 Trust your pace—it’s your power. 🌱 Take small, intentional steps. 🌱 Stay focused and resilient. 💪🏿You’ve got this. Keep going. Every step forward matters, no matter how small. Your breakthrough is closer than you think! P.S. Are you ready to take your personal and professional growth to the next level? DM me to explore programs that help align your vision with your purpose. 💡

December: The Ultimate Excuse or Your Time to Shine? 🎄✨ For most people, December is a free pass to hit autopilot. The holidays become the ultimate excuse to put health and wealth on the back burner—because “everyone’s doing it,” right? It’s easy to relax, switch off, and tell yourself you’ll start fresh on January 1st. But here’s the reality: professionals and high achievers see it differently. Christmas (if you celebrate) is just one day of the month—not the entire month. That leaves 30 days of potential growth, momentum, and progress toward your goals. This is separation season. ➡️ Be like the 99%: Live in discomfort, wishing for change, and letting life pass you by. ➡️ Or be like the 1%: Take action, step into discomfort, and create a life most people only dream about. Your 2025 will look exactly like your 2024 unless you stop waiting for the “perfect time.” Newsflash: life is always busy. Time will pass, whether you take action or not. The choice is yours. What will YOU do with the time you have? ❤️🔥 #Growthtime #SeparationSeason #LevelUpNow

🔥 WOW Next year Hey, my friend, the way you enter into next year isn’t determined by your goals, your strategies, or even your systems. Yes, those things matter. But what matters most is you. How you show up personally will make or break everything else. You can have the best strategies, the best ideas, the best plans on paper. But if your heart is weary, if your mind is tired, if your vision is unclear, it won’t matter. Because you’ll carry that weariness, that exhaustion, and that lack of focus into next year—and everything else will fall apart. So I’m asking you to take a moment. Take a moment today, this week, this year to focus on you. Give your heart time to find peace. Give your mind time to rest. Let your vision grow inside of you. For me, this year has been massive. Launching businesses, launching services—it’s pushed me to the edge. But now? Now, I step into a time of rest. A time to heal, to recharge, to prepare. Because when I step into next year, I’m stepping in with force. --> With strength. --> With joy. --> With peace. --> With focus. I’ve decided what I don’t want to carry with me into next year, and I’m leaving it behind. My friend, I hope you’re doing the same. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were created to bring light, joy, and hope. You weren’t meant to cower in fear. You were meant to stand in strength, to rise, and to step into your calling with confidence. Next year is coming. The question is—how are you choosing to step into it?

✨December Motivation: Finish Strong and Start Fresh 💯 As the year winds down, December is the perfect time to reflect, refocus, and recharge. Whether this year has been a journey of triumphs or challenges, remember: it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Here’s your December reminder to: ✨ Celebrate Progress – Big or small, every step forward counts. Look back at how far you’ve come and honor your growth. 📈 Set Intentions – Use this month to prepare for the year ahead. What goals inspire you? What habits will empower you? 🎁 Embrace the Present – Amid the hustle, take time to savor moments of joy and connection with loved ones. What You Can Do This December to Be More Successful 1️⃣ Review Your Year: Reflect on your wins, lessons, and areas for improvement. Journaling can help clarify your thoughts and priorities. 2️⃣ Declutter and Organize: 🧹 Clean up your workspace, digital files, and even your mind. Clear space equals clear focus. 3️⃣ Plan Next Year’s Goals: 📝 Be specific. Break them into actionable steps so you start January with clarity and purpose. 4️⃣ Sharpen Your Skills: 📚 Invest in a book, course, or mentor to level up for next year. Growth is a lifelong process. 5️⃣ Practice Gratitude: 💖 Gratitude shifts your mindset to positivity and abundance. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. 6️⃣ Recharge Your Energy: 🛌 Take care of your health, rest well, and prioritize self-care to hit the new year feeling refreshed. This is your season to shine 🌟. Finish the year strong, with purpose and passion, and set the stage for a brighter, bolder future. 💪You’ve got this! Let’s make December a month of inspiration and preparation for the amazing things ahead. 🚀 www.drentrepreneur.com #FinishStrong #DecemberGoals #Motivation #SuccessHabits #YearEndReflection #GrowthMindset #BeYourBest

Watch this before 2025! Just 25-30 days left for the new year, and if you're thinking 'I'll start fresh in January and change my life' this is for you. Why 1st January? Why wait for that perfect moment to get serious? If it's Friday, you wait for Monday. If it's December, you wait for the new year. But deep down, you know it's just an excuse. Your goals don't care about January 1st. You care about today. This hour. This minute. If you want to start something, do it NOW. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Imagine this: On January 1st, instead of planning, you're already 20-25 days ahead. You've built a habit. You've gained momentum. That's enough time to kickstart something big. Your goals don't need a date on the calendar they need action. If this makes sense, great. If not, well, you'll waste another year. Don't let that happen. Was this worth reading?? Omkar Raut signing off :) Until next time !!