3 Unusual Strategies to Finish the Year Strong (Even When You Are Exhausted)

The end of the year often feels like a marathon we weren’t prepared for. Deadlines, holiday commitments, and the accumulated fatigue of a busy year can leave us drained. 

But don’t worry—there are unconventional strategies that can help you power through and finish the year on a high note. 

Remember, a strong finish sets the stage for a successful new year. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the year-end rush with confidence and emerge stronger than ever.

Here are three strategies our team at TLI created for you::

1. Reverse Your Priorities

Instead of tackling your biggest tasks first, start with smaller, easy-to-complete ones. This reverse approach builds momentum and gives you a quick sense of accomplishment. By checking off simpler tasks, you’ll gain the motivation to tackle more demanding projects.

Coaching Tip: Reframe your to-do list as a motivation map. Prioritize tasks based on the energy they give you rather than their urgency, and watch your productivity soar.

2. Schedule “Do Nothing” Time

It might seem counterproductive, but intentionally scheduling time to do absolutely nothing can recharge your energy and sharpen your focus. Use this time to relax, meditate, or simply breathe deeply. When you return to work, you’ll be more energized and productive.

Coaching Tip: Normalize breaks for everyone. Encourage your team to take short, restorative breaks during the day by sharing your own practices and leading by example.

3. Declutter Your Commitments

Review your to-do list and identify tasks or obligations that no longer serve you. Politely decline, delegate, or postpone them. By clearing mental and physical space, you can focus on what truly matters and end the year with clarity and purpose.

Coaching Tip: Create a “stop-doing” list. Identify one or two commitments you can step away from and use that reclaimed time for more meaningful or energizing work.

With these three unusual strategies, you can combat exhaustion and cross the finish line feeling accomplished and rejuvenated.

Leadership Practice

To finish the year strong, lead by example in prioritizing energy and focus over exhaustion. Encourage your team to adopt micro-breaks to recharge, reframe priorities to tackle what truly matters, and declutter tasks that no longer serve your shared goals. These small yet impactful adjustments can inspire your team to stay engaged and end the year with a sense of achievement and momentum.

Invitation

Join us for our powerful program, "Lead Through Disruption: Navigate Turbulent Times with Tenacity". This immersive experience will equip you with the tools and strategies to lead through chaos with presence, focus, confidence and unwavering determination. 

About Athena

Athena Williams, Founder and CEO of Tenacious Leadership Institute, has been supporting leaders worldwide to become more tenacious for over 20 years. She has found that tenacity is the key to sustained leadership success in today’s ever-changing world. Through her coaching and leadership development programs, she helps leaders expertly handle change, complexity and other challenges so they can quickly get better results for themselves, their teams and their organizations. Take the first step to becoming a tenacious leader by scheduling a call with us.