q4 burnout

My gosh, I just got back from Nashville (was I house hunting? ) and I’m just packing to leave for Napa in a couple of days.

This busy season is busy season-ing.

(PSSTT: there’s a couple big announcements at the bottom of this email that you absolutely do not want to miss.)

As the holiday season ramps up, it’s so easy to get swept into the push to hit those final numbers, juggle endless responsibilities, and squeeze in every last to-do… all while aiming for Pinterest-perfect celebrations.

For many of us, the end of the year feels like a sprint to the finish line, but what if we reframed it?

What if Q4 wasn’t just about closing out goals but a season to realign with the direction we truly want for ourselves and our businesses in the new year?

Aligning with Your Why

Let’s start with a check-in.

How often do you get so focused on the doing that you forget why you’re doing it all in the first place? Take a moment to reconnect with that reason.

Our reasons for building these businesses go way beyond financial targets. Most of us are here to create impact, to help others, and to live a life that feels deeply fulfilling.

At the core of it all, is our deep desire for freedom.

And yet, as Q4 ramps up, it’s normal to feel pulled in a thousand directions—to wonder if you’re “doing enough” and to be weighed down by the imagined expectations of others.

But sometimes, that feeling of dissatisfaction or exhaustion is really a sign that it’s time to come back to your center.

Ask yourself: What do I want to carry into 2025, and what am I ready to leave behind?

Creating New Rituals for the New Year

Let’s get practical.

Instead of searching for new strategies, why not establish one or two meaningful business rituals to help you start 2025 with clarity and focus? It might be a weekly planning ritual where you set an intention for the week, a monthly check-in where you review wins and challenges, or a Sunday night ritual where you set your priorities for the week.

These small moments of alignment don’t just help you feel grounded; they help you stay clear on what you truly want to accomplish. Especially during the holiday rush, these grounding rituals can serve as a reminder that it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what truly matters.

Rethinking Your BFCM and Holiday Promotions

If you’re running holiday promos (which I highly recommend), think about how they can go beyond just revenue.

Sometimes, it feels like we need to put out a new offer or discount just because “it’s what you do.” But take a step back.

What if this season, you saw BFCM (Black Friday & Cyber Monday) as an opportunity to connect rather than just convert?

Maybe you could craft a customer appreciation offer, share an exclusive behind-the-scenes, or offer something deeply meaningful that aligns with your brand values.

When building Bossbabe, we’re always focused on long-term decisions that positively impact the brand, rather than chasing every shiny object that comes along.

So this Q4, set yourself up for long-term success by making long-term decisions. Know what you want to achieve next year, and bring that clarity into your holiday promotions.

Ask yourself: Does this serve the future I want to create?

Confronting Guilt and People-Pleasing

Here’s something many of us feel in excess this season but don’t talk about enough: guilt.

Guilt for not doing more.

Guilt for not meeting every demand.

Guilt for wanting some downtime amidst the chaos.

And let’s be honest, the need to please others can run deep, especially during the holidays. The pressure to make sure everyone’s needs are met—to answer every client email, attend every event, be there for every friend or family member—is real.

But here’s the hard truth: trying to make everyone happy is often what leaves you feeling the most disconnected and exhausted.

If you feel stretched thin, it might be time to reconsider where you’re saying “yes” to out of guilt or obligation.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to say “no” in a way that lets you say a bigger, clearer “yes” to what really aligns with you.

So, if you’re finding it hard to put yourself first right now, know that you’re not alone—and that this is the season to start prioritizing your own needs. Give yourself permission to let go of obligations that don’t serve your goals or bring you joy.

Alignment > Agitation

If you’re not feeling fully aligned right now, that’s okay. It’s a feeling that’s very present this time of year.

This season, take the time to realign, reset, and simplify.

Instead of saying yes to things that drain you, say yes to what truly fuels you and sets you up to enter 2025 grounded, focused, and at peace.

Let’s intentionally choose alignment over agitation, say goodbye to people-pleasing, and set ourselves up for a peaceful, purpose-driven end to the year.

I’m rooting for you, and I’m here to support you in closing this year in the happiest way possible.

XO

Natalie

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