Conquering the Q4 Scaries 🫣

Flow into 2025: Keep calm & thrive

It's almost the end of the year friends, and it's so easy to fall into the spiral of regret for the things we didn't do, concern for all that we still need to finish, anxiety about our 2025 goals and direction, etc, etc.

It seems like feeling that we are never enough or have never done enough is a condition that we all have as humans. I’ve come to understand that it’s so unnecessary to be unkind to ourselves like that. We are all just a work in progress.

SO!

As the year draws to a close, I’d love to invite you to a very special free workshop I am hosting with my dear friend and retreat co-lead Karen DeTemple. This empowering workshop is designed to help you navigate the often chaotic final quarter with grace and purpose.

“Flow into 2025, Keep Calm & Thrive” offers practical strategies to manage both professional and personal challenges while setting the stage for a successful new year.

Here are some words from my friend Karen. She leads non-profits so some tips are related to organizations but you can easily see how to implement this for yourself as an individual or solo-preneur.

Instead of succumbing to the pressure, we can turn anxiety into action. How can we resist succumbing to the pressure of Q4 and redirect all that scary energy into an opportunity for growth, reflection, and success? I’ve got a few ideas…

Here are some inspiring tips from Karen:

#1. Embrace strategic planning… turn anxiety into action.

Q4 provides an opening for strategic decisions that can shape the organization — for the rest of the year and beyond.

Sit with your team and review your annual goals. Maybe you had ten things on that list and, despite great efforts, have accomplished four. Okay, so pick three more initiatives by prioritizing those that will have the most significant impact THIS YEAR.

Everything else becomes part of next year’s plan.

#2. Empower your team… lead with confidence.

Our teams are our greatest asset. As leaders, we keep morale high and ensure everyone is on the same page when we help them feel supported and valued.

That means frequent, clear, and transparent communication on goals, opportunities, and successes. It means celebrating wins (even the small ones). It means recognizing the team for its hard work.

And it means continuing to prioritize and invest in your staff’s personal development — trainings, workshops, coaching. Especially now (when the pressure is highest and the tendency to push all that aside is strongest), given how much there is left to do over the next four months.

#3. Reflect and prepare… set the stage for a strong new year.

Take time with your team to conduct a year-end review. What worked well; what didn’t? What were our key achievements; where did we fall short? Again, be open and honest, resist assigning blame.

The earlier you begin, the more groundwork you can lay for next year’s initiatives. That gives you a chance to start fast and on track in 2025.

#4. Lead By Example… practice self-care.

Burnout is fierce among nonprofit leaders. You need to prioritize your own well-being so you can lead with clarity and energy.

Set boundaries. It’s tempting to work around the clock, but you need time to rest and recharge.

Get support. Your board, mentors, coaches, peer group — all these people can help. Don’t be afraid to seek support during this super-busy time. Being vulnerable and sharing your challenges with others can move you forward and reduce stress.

#5. You Are Not Alone

Not to put too fine a point on it, but everyone is freaking the fuck out right now. That’s just the way Q4 is in our world. So acknowledge it and accept it.

You can turn this challenging time into a period of opportunity and growth, and enter the final quarter with a confident and strong finish, allowing you to set the stage for even greater success in the coming year.

When in doubt, when under stress, when overwhelmed… don’t try to tackle it alone; make it a team sport! Register for free here: https://jenniferjaneyoung.com/flowworkshop

Karen and I look forward to seeing you on October 18th!