I’ve spoken with a few friends over the last couple of weeks and there is one consistent description about this time of year:

CHAOS.

The end of the year is full of planning sessions, budgets, offsite meetings, board retreats, end of the year pushes, travel, celebrations, parties, family and friend get togethers… and to top it off, you need to fit in some shopping and holiday planning.

The end of the year is always tough.

So, I wanted to explore how to best navigate this busy time, keep a positive attitude, and still accomplish all that needs to be done.

We’ve all heard sayings and solutions like, “Focus on one thing at a time.” and “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” and “Prioritize the day.” and “Just say no.”

While all those types of guidance are helpful and correct…

… this time of year requires something more:

Grit

Here is how I think about it. To get more from life, we have to give more. It is no secret to professional athletes that the difference between winning and losing is often your ability to finish strong. Whether it is the end of a race or the end of a game, having the endurance, attitude, and willpower to push through to the very end will often determine who wins.

We live in a special time in a special country where we have more to be grateful for than any civilization in history. I recognize there are still many problems to be solved (and we often create more). However, there are two components to this time of year that help to keep that dream alive.

Finish Strong.

Start Strong.

As we wrap up the year and put a virtual bow on our goals, objectives, and measurables it is critical to push through the busy-ness, manage the chaos, and have the grit to lean forward at the end of the race.

These 2 philosophies will help you push past the obstacles and finish strong:
1. Develop the attitude that this chaos will pass
2. Embrace that the gift of knowing what we enjoy comes at the cost of hard work

Next, enjoy some downtime during the holidays. Because it’s important to recharge so you can go into the new year with a renewed sense of energy and passion.

Then, as we kick off the year, don’t start with a slow ramp up.

Start strong with a plan to set the stage for an amazing year of accomplishments and success.

This time of year is hard. No doubt. However, if it was easy, everyone would do it. You are in your role because you have established that you accomplish things others cannot or are not willing to do. This is where that trust is earned.

So embrace the chaos, grit it out, and lead the way.