Tips from a Corporate Exec: How to Slay 4th Quarter

Well, if you're reading this, then you're just like me. You're someone who is looking back on the past 9 months and thinking to yourself, I have more left in the tank! And if you do, then buckle up, because these tips I am about to share will get you locked and loaded to finish the year strong.

As a corporate executive and business owner, the fourth quarter is one of my busiest times of the year. It's a time to hit my sales goals, evaluate how did this year and see where I can gain some additional wins before the year is over. I have coached MANY leaders on how to prepare themselves to finish strong.

Now you might be saying, Ayanna, I am tired!! I have had a long and rough year and I just want to head into the holidays and relax. My response is... I hear you and I am tired to! But the one thing I would hate more, is sitting in my slumber and realizing all of the opportunities I let float on by because I didn't have a plan.

So the focus of this post is to have a plan! Those who fail to plan, plan to fail! I don't want that to be you! So, take some notes and let's get to work:

Here's how you can REACH you personal, professional, business goals by the end of this year and finish strong!

REVIEW

Review your goals from the beginning of the year. What did you decide you wanted to accomplish this year? If you didn't set any goals, just look at what you were able to focus on, determine how you want to focus this last quarter.

EVALUATE

Evaluate what your progress has been so far. As you review your goals from the beginning of the year, this is not the time to have a pity party and get discouraged, but it is a time to say ok, I didn't hit that goal, can I get 25% of that goal accomplished I these last few months of the year? Or, what new goals do I want to set that will help me get closer to where I want to be. Or, I crushed that goal, let me see how I can take it further!

ASSESS

Assess what you have left in the tank to give and how much do you want to put into the final stretch. The goal here is to not set your goals too high that you end up discouraged. Be realistic and set 2-3 goals that you know are achievable if you map out a plan and go for it.

CREATE

Create your goals and strategy. You also want to have check points built in. Don't set it and forget it... that's a recipe for disaster.

• Create your goals "what do you want to accomplish.

• Set your strategy "how are you going to accomplish it".

• Instill check points "what milestones do you want to hit at week 3, week 5, week 9, etc"

HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

This is the most important thing! Determine what would be a good reward if you accomplish your goal. Set some incentives for yourself. This will help you to stick to it and not give up.

One thing I've learned in life is that nothing hurts more than missed opportunities! So, if you've got anything left in the tank, now's the time to recharge and get it moving forward.