Jumping from 2025 to 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Finishing Strong
- Alice Boswell
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 9
When I think about goals, I don’t just think about checklists—I think about the story I’m writing with my life. This year, I challenged myself to complete 60 activities before my 60th birthday in April. That list? Oh, it’s ambitious. We’re talking about producing my first play (The Last Sunday Sisterhood debuting in 2026), hosting 60 live podcast shows for JAM with Alice, reading 60 books, traveling to Paris and Costa Rica, growing my foundation Stand Up Community, and still working with the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant. And that’s just the highlight reel—add writing books, committing to my blog, and trying to remember where I left my coffee cup. Yes, I’m a busy woman—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Which brings me to this moment. Let’s be real: remember those shiny January goals? The ones you wrote in your fresh planner with a brand-new pack of gel pens, like your life was about to become a Pinterest board? If you’ve been nailing them all year, I salute you. Truly. But if your goals started gathering dust by Valentine’s Day… welcome to the human race. The good news? We’ve got one quarter left—90+ days to reset, refocus, and finish 2025 strong so we roll into 2026 like we own the place.
Step 1: Reflect Without Regret in Entering Q4
Reflection is like looking in the rearview mirror—you need to glance back, but don’t stare or you’ll crash. Ask yourself:
Which goals really mattered to me?
Which ones fizzled because they weren’t realistic—or maybe belonged to someone else’s dream?
What progress did I actually make, even if it wasn’t Instagram-worthy?
Truth is, progress is progress. If you aimed to run a marathon but only managed to walk around the block more often—guess what? That’s still forward motion. Besides, walking gives you time to stop for snacks, and snacks are always a win.
The Importance of Reflection
Taking a moment to reflect can be incredibly powerful. It allows us to understand our journey better. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the experiences along the way. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and think about what you’ve learned this year.
Acknowledge Your Wins
Even the smallest victories deserve recognition. Did you finally finish that book you started? Did you learn a new recipe? Celebrate those moments! They contribute to your growth and happiness.
Step 2: Create “Last Quarter Goals” (Small but Mighty)
Forget trying to overhaul your life before December 31st. Nobody needs that kind of stress. Instead, pick 3–5 mini goals that feel doable. Think of them as bite-sized victories. For example:
Health → Walk 20 minutes, five times a week. (Yes, mall walking counts—just avoid the food court.)
Money → Save $500 by cutting one indulgence per week. (Do we really need seven streaming services… or is Netflix still judging us for not finishing that one series?)
Personal Growth → Read two books that light you up. (Audiobooks in the car count too!)
Career/Business → Update your LinkedIn or portfolio.
Fun → Plan a “yes day” for yourself—because saying yes to joy is just as important as saying yes to work.
These aren’t about proving anything to anyone else. They’re about giving yourself momentum and a reason to celebrate.
Setting Realistic Goals
Remember, the key to success is setting realistic goals. It’s easy to get carried away and set lofty aspirations. But small, achievable goals can lead to significant changes over time. So, what’s your first mini goal going to be?
Celebrate Each Step
Every step counts! When you achieve a mini goal, take a moment to celebrate. Whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite snack or enjoying a cozy night in, make sure to acknowledge your efforts.
Step 3: Systems Beat Willpower
Here’s the secret: motivation is overrated. It’s about as reliable as my Wi-Fi when I’m finally in the middle of a Zoom meeting that matters. Systems are what keep you moving when motivation takes a nap.
Habit trackers make progress look like a video game. (Who doesn’t want to “level up” for drinking water?)
Accountability buddies—because nothing keeps you honest like a friend texting, “So… did you actually go to the gym today?”
Environment hacks → Put your sneakers by the door so you trip over them, keep fruit at eye level, and unsubscribe from those “flash sale” emails unless you want your savings goal destroyed in one click.
Willpower fades, but systems stop you from talking yourself out of doing the thing.
Building Effective Systems
Creating effective systems can transform your approach to goals. Think about what works for you. Do you thrive on routine? Or do you prefer flexibility? Tailor your systems to fit your lifestyle.
The Power of Accountability
Having someone to share your goals with can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a social media group, accountability can keep you motivated and on track.
Step 4: Prep for 2026 Like a Boss
Let’s be real: we don’t just want to limp into 2026—we want to strut in like Beyoncé at a stadium tour. That means prepping now.
Life Audit → What worked this year? What… didn’t? (Yes, that thing you kept forcing yourself to do but hated? Let it go.)
Theme Word → Pick a word that guides your year, like Fearless, Build, or Consistency. Think of it as your personal slogan.
Batch Your Goals → Instead of creating a laundry list in January, set 1–2 goals per quarter. It’s less “resolutions pressure cooker” and more “manageable buffet.”
✨ Ready to put all this into action? I created a step-by-step resource to help you reflect, reset, and crush your goals before the year ends.
This eBook is your practical guide with exercises, planning templates, and motivation boosts to keep you consistent in the final stretch. If you’ve been meaning to finish strong but don’t know where to start—this is it.
Opportunities & Resources to Power You Up
When in doubt, add tools to your toolbox:
Courses: Skillshare, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning for career upgrades.
Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear (tiny steps, big wins) or The 12-Week Year by Brian Moran (perfect for Q4 hustle).
Podcasts: The Ed Mylett Show (motivation + strategy) or The Minimalists (clarity + less clutter).
Challenges: Try a 30-day fitness challenge or a No-Spend November. Spoiler: saying no to Starbucks three times a week really adds up.
Finding the Right Resources
The right resources can make all the difference. Explore various platforms and find what resonates with you. Whether it’s a course that sparks your interest or a podcast that inspires you, invest in your growth.
Embrace New Challenges
Don’t shy away from challenges. They can be a great way to push yourself and discover new strengths. Whether it’s a fitness challenge or a personal development goal, embrace the journey!
Final Word: Finish Strong, Start Stronger
Here’s the deal: whether you’ve been a goal-crushing machine or your January resolutions are still hiding under a pile of laundry, you’ve got time to finish this year proud. Remember:
Done is always better than perfect.
Progress > perfection.
January 1st isn’t magic—you can hit reset any day, even today.
So grab that pumpkin spice latte (yes, extra whipped cream counts as self-care), sketch out your Q4 game plan, and let’s head into 2026 bold, brave, and maybe just a little bit extra. Because why not?
🔥 Don’t just read about finishing strong—do it!
Grab my eBook 👉 Q4 Goal Reset: Finish Strong & Enter 2026 Blazing and get the tools you need to make the last quarter your best one yet.
2026 is waiting—let’s enter it together, blazing with purpose.
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