2024’s Final Stretch: Are Your Startup Goals On Track?

As we resume work post-Diwali, the air is heavy with excitement. It reminds me of the renewed energy experienced by startups embarking on a new year. This brings me to the primary goal of my last post, where we discussed Mr. Nilekani’s take on product validation.?

People usually want to forget the hard work and labor that goes into creating the festive magic and recall only the dazzling lights and the varieties of delectable treats. This is akin to a laser-like focus on the product without validating the problem leaving teams disoriented. Even with the festivities over, I picture a small team gathered, laptops open, coffee cups half-empty as they review year-end targets.???

Sound familiar? ?

Many of us in the startup world know this feeling all too well. As the final months of the year tick by, some goals look within reach, while others may seem just out of grasp.?

For founders and teams alike, the end of the year can feel like a race against time, especially when resources and team morale start to dip. The reality is that around 90% of startups face significant hurdles along the way, with many hitting the hardest ones in their very first year. ??

Each interaction drives toward a single purpose—finding the right product for users without burning out. Take a random Thursday evening for an example.

We gathered around a whiteboard, reviewing project timelines and remaining targets, feeling the weight of everything still left undone.?

Looking back on the journey, I realize I made a few mistakes that could’ve been avoided if I had been more aware:

?? I overcommitted—I thought I could do it all, but trying to achieve everything at once stretched us thin. Did you know that 53% of startups struggle with delegation?

?? I ignored burnout signs—I didn’t pick up on the subtle cues of fatigue within the team until it was already affecting our work.

?? I delayed tough decisions—I hesitated to pivot, fearing it might seem like a failure. In reality, it was just the course correction we needed.

And when we finally decided to pivot, it changed our year. Common End-of-Year Challenges for Startups As we wrap up 2024, you might be facing challenges like these:

?? Tight budgets and limited staff can lead to delays in key projects. Focus on high-impact tasks and delegate what you can. You’ll be surprised how this can clear the way!

?? Team fatigue after a year of relentless hustle. Check in with your team regularly- a brief break can make a huge difference.

?? Quick pivots can throw off plans, complicating the balance between immediate tasks and long-term goals. Revisit your goals weekly to make small adjustments without losing sight of the bigger picture.

These small tweaks could be just what your team needs to finish the year strong and set up for what’s next. ??

Breaking these cycles can be tough, but that’s where the right support makes a difference. At OpenGrowth, we see things differently.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Finding your rhythm as the year winds down isn’t easy. But over time, I’ve realized that small, thoughtful shifts can turn a busy season into a rewarding one. ??

In many ways, it’s about realigning priorities. Sometimes, it’s just being present with the team by recognizing the effort they put in daily. I’ve seen how startups that stay flexible, focus on what truly matters, and look after their people end the year not just meeting goals, but growing in unexpected ways.

If you’re in the middle of a challenging season, remember you’re not alone in this.

We’re all figuring out ways to make things work, and supporting each other through the final stretch. Let’s make these last months count. ???

Drop a comment—What changes have you made recently?

Until next time,

Cheers!

Akriti Verma

Co-founder, OpenGrowth