Every year around this time, business owners fall into the same trap.

They start thinking about growth when the new year arrives, not before it starts.

But here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again:

Your 2026 growth won’t come from what you do in January.
It will come from one decision you make this month.

A single decision that sets the tone.
A single decision that tightens your focus.
A single decision that creates a line in the sand.

And almost always, it’s one of these:

1️⃣ Choosing what you will finally stop tolerating

Every business has friction points that drain energy:

  • A product that isn’t profitable
  • A client that destroys morale
  • A process that creates chaos
  • A team behaviour you’ve ignored
  • A financial blind spot you keep promising to “fix in the new year”

These aren’t small issues.
They are anchors.

Removing one of these in December does more for growth than ten new initiatives in January.

2️⃣ Choosing the one strategic priority you will protect with your diary

Most businesses don’t fail because of bad strategy.
They fail because of diluted execution.

If everything is important, nothing is important.

Pick one priority that will move your business forward next year — and treat it like it’s non-negotiable:

  • Hiring the right senior leader
  • Building a repeatable sales engine
  • Fixing your pricing
  • Systemising operations
  • Strengthening cash flow discipline
  • Creating a management rhythm that holds people to account

Protect that priority with time in your diary now, before the noise of January arrives.

If you do that, you’ve already beaten 80% of your competition.

3️⃣ Choosing to lead with intention, not reaction

Most businesses sleepwalk into Q1.

They drift.
They respond.
They firefight.

And by the time they “feel ready”, it’s already March.

The businesses that grow?
They get ahead of the year.

They:

  • Decide their Q1 outcomes now
  • Make the tough decisions early
  • Communicate clearly with their teams
  • Remove ambiguity before it can take hold

Leadership is simply the ability to decide before circumstances decide for you.

Here’s the challenge…

Look at your business with ruthless honesty and answer this:

What is the one decision I can make this December that will create the biggest lift to my business in 2026?

Is it about people?
Pricing?
Focus?
Structure?
Accountability?
Your own leadership habits?

You already know the answer – you’ve probably known it for months.

Make that decision now.
Your 2026 depends on it.

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P.S. Think your business could win an award in 2026? Register here to find out more!