I can feel it—those early Christmas trees in the shops, the swirl of year-end plans, and that sneaky little voice that whispers, “Eh, just coast and start fresh in January.” Trust me, I get it. Every year, I find myself glancing at my January goals with a mix of pride and panic. There’s always a handful I still haven’t tackled, and the clock’s ticking down.
But let me share something honest: it doesn’t have to end like that. I used to let November slip by, thinking it was “too late” to make a difference. But a couple years ago, I finally asked, “Why wait?” What if November wasn’t just a wind-down, but the springboard I desperately needed? That one decision transformed everything I accomplished—not just before the holidays, but far into the new year. That’s what I want for you, too.
This isn’t about burning out or sprinting when you’re tired. It’s about working intentionally, regrouping on what matters, and discovering the energy that always seems to show up when I take those first focused steps. November is the ultimate fresh start—without the January pressure.
Why I Swear By a November Growth Plan
If you’re thinking, “November’s basically holiday limbo,” let me lovingly call you out! Years back, I treated November like a write-off. The big goals would wait; I was on auto-pilot with the little daily stuff. But every January, the same feeling hit me: I was starting behind.
Everything shifted when, on a whim, I mapped out a real November growth plan. I narrowed my energy, picked just a couple things to focus on, and gave them one last push. That momentum? It snowballed. I ended the year proud, not guilty.
Here’s why this plan is a game changer (and SEO plus, here are the “November Growth Plan” benefits!):
• Finish Strong: There’s still time to cross something big off your list and hit the new year on a high.
• Ditch the Year-End Stress: A little bit of action now makes December less frantic, more joyful.
• Lay the Groundwork for January: Trust me, if you build even one new habit or clear one tough task, January-you will thank November-you.
Step 1: Reflect and Realign—in Real Life
You don’t have to do a full-on life audit. But pause for 30 minutes. Here’s how I check myself every November (grab your favorite drink and a notebook):
• What were my top three big goals this year?
• Where did I gain real momentum? What worked—like, actually worked?
• Which ideas flopped or fizzled? What blocked me?
• Did I set out to do something that now feels “meh”? It’s okay to let that go!
Honestly? I once planned to launch a fancy new service before December. By November, my audience was telling me—loud and clear—they wanted something simpler. So, I pivoted. It felt scary, but it paid off big time.
Step 2: Pick Your November Focus (Don’t Overdo It!)
Here’s the deal: you will NOT do all the things. That’s the magic of this month: pick 1–3 things you can genuinely knock out. Ask yourself: What’s still possible, what would move the needle, and what would actually make me feel good finishing?
Get specific! “Grow my business” is a hope, not a goal. “Book two new clients” or “post weekly content for 4 weeks”—now we’re talking.
A few ideas:
• Finish a project: Wrap up that course, product, or client freelance job.
• Hit a metric: Grow your list by 100, make 5 sales, double your engagement.
• Build a system: Set up a fresh content calendar, prep your emails for December.
Step 3: Break It Down—Week by Week
Plans in my world only work if I can actually follow them, so I split November into weeks. Here’s my formula:
Week 1: Map it Out & Win Early
• Chunk your priorities: Write every single step, big or tiny.
• Schedule it: Put these in your calendar as non-negotiable blocks.
• Snag a “quick win”: Nothing lights my fire like checking even one thing off right away.
Week 2 & 3: Do the (Deep) Work
These are for digging in, one step at a time.
• Time block like a boss: Pick hours, shut the door, mute everything, and work.
• Cut down on distractions: I honestly tell my family: “No knocking for 45 minutes.”
• Weekly recap: I reflect every Friday—what worked, what flopped, where do I need to adjust?
Week 4: The Final Push & Review
• Complete what matters: Zero in on those last couple steps—no more hiding from them!
• Celebrate: Look at what you did, not just what you didn’t.
• Pre-plan for next month: Drop a couple must-do’s into December now—your future self will be so grateful.
Step 4: Build Systems that Stick (Trust Me on This)
Power Hour (My Not-So-Secret Weapon)
Choose one hour a day—could be the morning, lunchtime, or late-night when everyone’s asleep. I ignore email, DMs, and even laundry during Power Hour. Give your big goal this golden hour, even if nothing else gets done.
Lean on Accountability
• Text a friend, coach, or fellow business owner and say your goal out loud.
• Do a weekly 10-minute voice memo check-in—just talking it out keeps me honest.
• Even better, DM me on social or email me—let’s hold each other accountable!
Rest (No, Really!)
I have learned the hard way: saying “yes” to everything = instant burnout. Block downtime. Yes, sleep. Yes, walk around the block or take a day off if you need it. It’s not optional.
Let’s Finish 2023 With Real Momentum
Picture waking up January 1 knowing you closed out the year with true intention—not panic, not “I’ll try again later.” That’s why I’m sharing this plan and cheering you on.
Don’t let these 30 days float by—let’s make them count together. Take one step this week, then another, and I promise by December you’ll feel that momentum.
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Let’s make these last week’s your runway, not your wrap-up. We’re in it together—I’ll see you at the finish line!