The December Reset
January gets all the attention.
New goals. New plans. New energy.
But over the last few years, I started doing something different.
A December reset.
December is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s full of good food, time with family, and a slower pace that naturally brings more comfort and connection.
That’s exactly why I started approaching it differently.
Instead of pushing through the end of the year, I focus on two things: working on the business rather than in it, and giving myself space to actually relax and reset. The days are shorter, but there’s more room for community, quiet moments, and time outside while schedules are a little more flexible.
These aren’t strict rules, but they are the shifts that have made December feel better and work better for me.
No New Projects
One of the biggest shifts I’ve made is deciding not to start new projects in December.
It wasn’t easy at first, but it’s made a noticeable difference in how the month feels. Existing projects still move forward and deadlines are still met, but removing new starts creates space to be more present and less reactive.
It also tends to align well with clients who prefer to wait until after the holidays, which makes the timing feel more natural on both sides.
Complete Current Projects
This is the time to close out what’s already in motion.
Every business has projects that are almost done or tasks that have been pushed forward a few too many times. December is a good time to wrap those up cleanly so nothing unnecessary carries into the new year.
It helps both you and your clients start fresh with what you actually need.
Prep Financials Before Year-End
I also use this time to get financials in order before year-end.
That usually means connecting with my accountant or financial planner, reviewing tax savings, and making any final adjustments to time-sensitive accounts.
Most financial teams are preparing for their busiest season, so waiting until the last minute rarely works in your favor. Getting ahead of those deadlines makes the process smoother.
Assess and Adjust
From there, I step back and assess the business more broadly.
I tend to look at four areas: process, pricing, proposals, and performance.
What worked this year, what felt heavy, and what needs to change moving forward?
Then I shift into planning:
What do I want to focus on next year?
What goals actually make sense?
What kind of work-life rhythm feels sustainable?
This is less about setting new goals and more about making sure the business is aligned with how you want to work.
Make Space to Rest
And just as important as all of that is making space to rest.
Shorter weeks, time outside, time with family, and the simple things that tend to get pushed aside during busier seasons.
December already creates the opportunity. You just have to take it.
It’s a simple shift, but it took time to get here.
If you’re looking to approach the end of the year differently, this is a good place to start.
If you want more structure around how to reset your systems or prepare your business for the year ahead, you can join the newsletter or grab the CRM checklist to get started.