The last few weeks before Christmas can go one of two ways for business owners:

Option 1:

A frantic scramble to “clear the decks”, rushing from task to task, collapsing into the break exhausted — and returning in January feeling foggy, behind, and playing catch-up.

Option 2:

A calm, intentional runway into the new year — using these final weeks to create clarity, put the right structures in place, and set yourself up to hit the ground running.

Guess which one leads to a stronger Q1?

Here’s the good news:

You don’t need to overhaul your business in three weeks.

But with a few focused actions, you can create a January that feels strategic rather than reactive.

Below are six high-impact things you can do now — plus the common traps to avoid.

1. Clear the mental clutter: your “open loops” list

Most overwhelm comes not from doing too much, but from holding too much in your head.

Take 20 minutes and list every task, decision and worry that’s floating around right now.

Everything from “renew insurance” to “restructure team responsibilities” to “speak to Sarah about her development plan”.

Then split the list into:

  • Do before Christmas (only the essentials — not the nice-to-haves)
  • Defer – Schedule for January
  • Delegate immediately
  • Delete because it doesn’t matter

Instant clarity. Instant relief.

You’ll walk into January knowing exactly what needs doing, not fumbling to remember what you forgot.

2. Choose your Top 3 January priorities — nothing more

This is where most business owners sabotage themselves.

They head into January with 27 “priorities”, which means nothing is actually a priority.

Pick three outcomes that genuinely move the business forward.

Examples:

  • Recruit and onboard a key hire
  • Implement a new management or reporting system
  • Launch a new service offering
  • Strengthen financial controls
  • Fix a recurring operational bottleneck with a systemised solution

Then diarise the first steps for Week 1 of January — before you shut down for Christmas.

Future-you will thank you.

3. Block your January “CEO time” in advance

If you don’t book thinking time, you will spend January firefighting. It’s that simple.

Before Christmas, open your calendar and reserve:

  • A weekly 90-minute strategic session
  • Two half-days in January for planning and review
  • Protected time for follow-through on your Top 3 priorities

If it’s in the diary, it happens.
If it isn’t, it won’t.

4. Have the important conversations now, not in January

There are always conversations you’ve been avoiding:

  • A performance issue
  • A role that needs redefining
  • A staff member who needs clarity
  • A client expectation that needs resetting

Don’t drag those into the new year.

Addressing them now gives everyone the clarity they need — and creates a clean slate for 2026 planning.

5. Tighten your finances before the break

A strong year starts with a clear financial picture.

Before you sign off:

  • Review cashflow for the next 90 days
  • Chase overdue invoices
  • Finalise budgets and forecasts
  • Identify unnecessary costs
  • Clarify your revenue targets for Q1

It’s hard to feel strategic when finances are fuzzy.

6. Rest properly (and guilt-free)

This step is not optional.

The break is your chance to reset your head, your stress levels, and your energy.

If you don’t genuinely switch off, January becomes an uphill climb.

Rest is strategic.

A tired CEO makes tired decisions.

Common Pitfalls That Derail January

❌ Trying to do everything before Christmas

You don’t need to “finish the year”.
You need to set up the next one.

❌ Overcommitting to clients and overpromising deadlines

Protect your capacity.
Your January should be built around strategy, not meeting December’s rushed promises.

❌ Leaving January planning until January

By then, you’re already in the storm.

❌ Taking the clutter home

If your head is full when you break up for Christmas, you won’t rest — you’ll ruminate.

❌ Coming back with no plan

The first week of January sets the tone for the entire year.

Don’t wing it.

If you use these last three weeks well…

You’ll start 2026 with:

  • clarity instead of chaos
  • focus instead of overwhelm
  • momentum instead of hesitation
  • and a team that knows exactly where they’re going

Most business owners limp over the line in December.

But the ones who grow?

They use these final weeks to create a runway for success.

And the best part?

You can do all of this without working longer hours — just with more intention.

Need some help?

BOOK a Free Growth Strategy Session with me.

Further resources for you to explore:

WATCH: ‘The Art of Stress-Free Productivity’ by David Allen

P.S. Don’t forget: our GrowthClub 90-Day Planning Event is happening this January. Lock in your spot now so you start Q1 with a clear, powerful plan. Register Here