In the final days of the year, I want you to see the starting line. The race is not over because the year is coming to a close. This is just the beginning! I know the holidays can be a stressful time, whether it be because of family, friends, work, school, money, or relationships. The end of the year doesn’t determine how our new year will be. If you had or are having a rough end of the year, you may pray for the new year to start and say, “2020 will be my year.” Just because the last bit of the year went up in flames doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the warmth and the coming days to finish strong, building from the ashes of life, struggles, and failures.

I heard a story about a coach who trained his players to run at least 100 yards past the finish line. His logic was that if you start to slow down before the finish line, you can lose. I’ve seen races like that before—when someone was about to win but slowed down to end the race at the exact finish line. It was then that another player zoomed past the finish line and into victory, leaving the first runner in disbelief. What the runner should have done is push past the finish line with 100% effort.

We are in the last bit of the year and racing into the next year, but the finish line is not coming up. What lies ahead is a new starting point, with the only difference being the year we write on our checks. The end of the year doesn’t mean we should abandon the rest of December for a shiny new January. There’s still so much you can do this year that needs your attention and dedication. You have to push when you’re tired and want to take a rest. You have to push through the pain and struggles to come out on top. Waiting for January to be the magic month that will solve all your problems will leave you disappointed.

The push you make in December gives you a strong running sprint to head into the new year. You should show no signs of stopping or slowing down. Though you may trip or face an unexpected event in the new year, it doesn’t mean the year should be abandoned. The race has just begun, remember? The race is not over until you’re done. You have goals that need your attention and people who need you to be there for them. Why wait to achieve your dreams? The push to make each day filled with effort and progress does not go unnoticed. The whole world can have its back turned on you, but you will see the change. You are in charge of your days and how they are spent.

The push you make each day can be geared towards anything on your goal list. Your goal list isn’t just your New Year’s resolution—it’s something bigger, something you’re committed to pursuing every day. Think of how many people set their end-of-year resolutions to get in shape but quit a few months later. Then the next year comes, and they’re in worse shape than before. Your goals are BIG! You should not go a day without thinking about your goals and what you’re working towards.

It’s your short- and long-term goals or plans that you created to follow, fulfill, and complete. You should be taking steps to reach your goals each day, making this last month just another step closer. The solution isn’t to wait for the new year and a “new you” to take over. If you’re tired or burned out, take time to rest and recharge. It may seem simple, but when you’re worn out, good rest can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul. However, remember that a month or even a new year isn’t what energizes you—it’s the mindset you create now.

Many of my clients are getting that end-of-year itch. The holidays are supposed to be stress-free and joyous, but even I can’t recall a year without holiday stress. So, how do you deal with extra holiday stress while making the last push to the new year? I follow a few simple steps to stay sane during these fast-moving times. You may be tempted to put off something because you feel like you’ve worked hard all year and it’s finally break time. But break time hasn’t started yet—not until you’ve reached all your goals.

To reach my goals, regardless of what’s happening in my life or the world, I stick to three simple strategies: create a schedule (and follow it), eat healthily, and stay focused.

1. Stay True to Your Schedule

A schedule helps you stay on track and make time for what matters. Interruptions happen, but having a plan allows you to see where you succeeded and where adjustments are needed. For example, if your child becomes ill and you have to pick them up from school, it might throw off your day. But it also ensures your child can recover and have a smoother tomorrow. While the day may not go as planned, staying present in the moment helps you manage your priorities.

2. Eat Healthily

Eating healthy may seem trivial, but it’s crucial for staying energized. Your body needs proper nutrition to operate at peak performance. You truly are what you eat: if you eat junk, you’ll feel like junk. If you eat healthily, you’ll feel healthy. Whether you meal prep or grab something quick, choose foods that support your energy levels for today and tomorrow. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.

3. Stay Focused

Remaining focused on your mission and goals is key to finishing strong. The holiday season can be full of distractions, but this is the time to push harder. Don’t wait for tomorrow or next month to get started. Ignore the noise that doesn’t serve you and keep your eyes on your objectives. Staying focused ensures you can clearly see the tasks ahead and execute them with precision.

In conclusion, the final days of this month aren’t vacation days. Even if you’re off work or school, you must remain focused. The race is just starting, and you are the star. Set an example for yourself and those around you to finish strong and start the new year even stronger. Stay true to your goals and maintain clarity despite the busyness of this season. The push you make now will build the momentum you need for success in the coming year and bring you closer to your most desired life.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts