Don't Just Coast: How to Win the Last Quarter of the Year

The final quarter of the year is upon us. While many people start to coast toward the finish line, I see this transition—from the end of September to the start of October—as a massive opportunity to set yourself up for success.

The key? Preparation and planning.

Don't let the holiday season catch you off guard. By front-loading the organization now, you can spend the rest of the year actually enjoying the festivities instead of frantically reacting to deadlines.

1. Lock Down the Logistics

Your future, less-stressed self will thank you for taking these steps now:

• The Calendar is King: Review the entire calendar from now through the end of the year. Purchase tickets for every single major event—holiday light shows, plays, concerts, or annual traditions. Get those dates and events firmly locked onto your calendar.

• Book Your Travel: If you’re traveling for the holidays, book your trips now. The 90-day window is often optimal for purchasing flights, making this the perfect time to secure the best rates and routes.

• Family Coordination: Reach out to family members immediately. Settle on the dates, locations, and general responsibilities for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other gatherings. Waiting until November guarantees unnecessary stress.

• Secure the Feast: If you need to reserve a Thanksgiving turkey or any specialty catering, do it today. If reservations aren't open yet, find out the exact date they start and add it as a high-priority event on your calendar.

2. Master the Shopping Season

Stop thinking about gifts and start making actionable lists. Your goal should be to minimize your shopping time later:

• Create Your Black Friday/Holiday Lists: This list isn't just for immediate family. Include everyone: teacher gifts, the mail carrier, the kids' best friends, stocking stuffers, and any items you plan to buy for yourself.

• Set a Shopping Deadline: Aim to have all your lists complete and finalized by Fall Prime Day (which often falls around October 7th). This allows you to tackle the majority of your shopping during the major sales events, saving time and money.

3. Quick Wins and Goal Setting

While the holiday planning is essential, don't forget to focus on your personal and professional goals:

• Get Decorating Done: Give yourself a quick, satisfying win by having your Halloween decorating complete by early October. Don't let it linger until the last week of the month.

• Re-focus on Goals: The last quarter is the perfect time for a deep dive into goal setting. Work backward from your largest yearly goals and break them down into what you need to achieve monthly, weekly, and daily. Take the next two weeks to tackle the planning phase of this goal-setting exercise.

Locking in as many of these variables as you can now will allow you to be present and truly enjoy the end of 2025 instead of drowning in last-minute to-dos.

What's the one thing on this list you're tackling first?