5 Reasons the 'Nov New Year' Strategy Will Supercharge Your Goals in Business and Beyond

As each new year approaches, we tend to set lofty goals only to watch them fizzle out by February. Why not rethink the timing altogether? Imagine getting a head start on your resolutions in November, positioning yourself for a powerful close to 2023 and a strong start to 2024. The "Nov New Year" mindset isn’t just a calendar shift; it’s a strategic advantage in both professional and personal arenas—whether you're focused on closing government contracts or establishing healthier routines.

Here’s why starting your new year in November can transform your results, giving you two extra months to build momentum while everyone else is gearing up for January.

1. Stay Ahead of the Rush in Government Sales and Personal Goals

When everyone slows down in Q4, those adopting the Nov New Year approach are ramping up. This head start is particularly valuable in government sales, where the holiday season often means less crowded opportunities to connect with procurement officers and potential teaming partners. By positioning yourself as a persistent presence while others are taking time off, you may find more doors open with less competition.

On a personal level, starting early in November also means dodging the January rush at the gym or in popular programs, giving you time to form routines at your own pace. It’s the perfect window to build traction on health goals, with less temptation to get lost in the crowd. By the time the masses return in January, you’ll already be settled into your groove, experiencing progress and reaping the rewards of an uninterrupted start.

2. Build Early Momentum for 2024 Wins in Both Work and Wellness

Momentum is everything in goal achievement. Kicking off the Nov New Year means you’re heading into January with eight weeks of consistent effort under your belt, a foundational advantage in both professional and personal realms. In government sales, momentum is critical—whether you’re fine-tuning your capability statement, booking meetings, or starting outreach for the coming year, small early wins set the stage for substantial Q1 victories.

For personal goals, this early start can help you make significant strides in fitness, diet, or other wellness initiatives. For example, if you’ve resolved to run a marathon in 2024, beginning in November allows you to build a consistent running base before winter hits. If your focus is on nutrition, starting with a plan in November helps counteract the holiday indulgence cycle. Instead of navigating January with “holiday weight” on your mind, you’ll be entering the new year already in a healthier place—feeling stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle new heights.

3. Use November and December as a Flexible Testing Ground

Unlike January, which often feels like a rigid deadline for resolutions, the Nov New Year offers flexibility. Think of November and December as your test phase. In the government sales context, this might mean experimenting with outreach scripts, engagement strategies, or timing for follow-ups. Use these two months to refine your approach, assess what resonates with your target clients, and adjust as needed. By the time January arrives, you’ll be equipped with a strategy tested in the field, giving you a clear edge over competitors who are just beginning their outreach.

This adaptability extends to personal goals too. Let’s say you want to establish a workout routine or meal plan; November and December give you the chance to trial different strategies without the all-or-nothing pressure of a traditional New Year’s resolution. You’ll be able to identify the most sustainable methods, whether it’s a specific fitness class, morning workouts, or a realistic meal prep schedule. The key here is to treat these two months as a practice run, allowing you to navigate holiday temptations without the guilt of slipping up. It’s a period of adjustment and learning, helping you discover what actually works for you.

4. Finish 2024 Strong: Celebrate Small Wins to Build Confidence

Closing the year with small wins isn’t just motivational—it’s transformative. Whether it’s securing a new government contract, refining your outreach techniques, or hitting personal health milestones, these achievements build confidence that carries over into the new year. Imagine finishing December already down a few pounds or with a full pipeline of sales leads. Such achievements provide a psychological boost, grounding your mindset in success rather than anticipation.

For instance, if you’re in government contracting, focusing on small but meaningful tasks like updating your GSA Schedule submission, conducting target research, or booking those initial FY 2025 meetings creates early victories that can compound over time. The key is to take consistent action and acknowledge each success, no matter how small. Celebrating these wins along the way fuels motivation and reinforces commitment, making it easier to sustain progress as the stakes rise in January.

5. Create a New Tradition of Growth, Reflection, and Accountability

Integrating intentional habits in November and December can turn the "Nov New Year" into a powerful personal and professional tradition. Consider “Reflection Night” on October 31 to review your achievements and define your 14-month goals. This extended view, from November through the end of the following year, provides more room for growth than a typical 12-month goal cycle and fosters a sense of continuous improvement.

Adopt rituals like “Focus Fridays” or “Momentum Mondays” to hold yourself accountable and review progress weekly. These check-ins can be as simple as celebrating a win, recalibrating a strategy, or identifying new opportunities in your pipeline. On the personal side, these routines might involve a small fitness goal for the week, or dedicating time for meal prep. Building in these recurring reflection points helps keep goals top of mind and provides regular motivation, all while reinforcing your Nov New Year commitment.

Consistency beats intensity every time.

Real Results: How the Nov New Year Mindset Paid Off

In my own experience, adopting a Nov New Year approach led to significant professional and personal gains. I embarked on a comprehensive sales campaign in November 2021, an effort that resulted in three signed contracts by January. I was still connecting with clients while others were winding down, which helped me stand out. In my personal life, the same proactive approach enabled me to maintain health and energy for the year ahead. By starting in November, I entered January with confidence and momentum already in place, setting the tone for a record year.

The Nov New Year is about more than just an early start; it’s about crafting a year that builds from a place of strength. Whether you’re looking to gain traction in government sales or make meaningful personal changes, adopting a Nov New Year mindset positions you to act intentionally, stay consistent, and achieve lasting progress. So, why wait? Start now, and give yourself the head start that makes 2024 not just another year, but your most successful year yet.