Will Your Q4 End in a Parking Lot or On an Onramp?

As we enter Q4, Reader, it’s easy to treat this time of year like a parking lot — a place to coast, take a break, and wind down.

But here's the thing: how you approach Q4 can either set you up for a slow "start from zero" January or give you the momentum you need to hit the ground running at full speed.

What if your Q4 destination was an onramp instead of a parking lot?

An onramp isn’t meant for cruising along leisurely. It’s designed to get your car up to speed so you can merge into traffic seamlessly. That same principle applies to your life and work right now.

Too many people use the last quarter of the year as an excuse to slow down, tying up loose ends, or postponing big goals until the New Year. But by treating Q4 as a parking lot, you risk starting January at a crawl while everyone else is zooming by.

Instead, think of Q4 as the perfect opportunity to accelerate, build momentum, and set yourself up for a productive and successful year ahead.

Now, I'm not saying that Q4 should be all hustle and grind — far from it. This is about intentional preparation, about making decisions that will make your life easier, not harder, when January comes around.

That could mean wrapping up a big project or laying the groundwork for new ones. It could be setting goals or establishing routines that align with your long-term vision.

The key is to keep your foot on the gas, so when the New Year arrives, you're already in motion.

Think about it: do you want to enter 2024 feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of your direction? Or do you want to merge into the New Year at full speed, confident and ready to take on whatever comes your way?

Here are a few ways to treat Q4 like an onramp:

1. Review and Reflect: Look back on the year so far. What have you accomplished? What fell through the cracks? Use this reflection to identify areas where you can make quick wins before the year is up.
2. Set Up Systems: Whether it’s organizing your workspace, decluttering your schedule, or automating tasks, now’s the time to create systems that will save you time and energy next year.
3. Plan Ahead: Start mapping out your goals for the New Year. Break them into actionable steps that you can begin taking now, so you’re not starting from scratch in January.
4. Self-Care and Boundaries: An onramp isn’t just about speed; it’s about safety. Make sure you’re setting boundaries, taking care of yourself, and leaving room for rest, so you don’t burn out before you even reach the highway.

Remember, Q4 is what you make of it. You're in the driver's seat ... in control of your vehicle.

Use Q4 as an onramp, and you’ll find yourself merging into January with ease, energy, and excitement.

It's your choice, but either way, let’s finish the year strong and make 2024 our best year yet ... while still looking for 2025 to be even better!

As always, I'd love to know what you think of this week's newsletter. Post your thoughts on social and tag me (@coachmichelepeterson), or simply reply to this email!

Thank you. I appreciate you!

xoxo,
Michele

Now for more good stuff ...

Interesting Reads ...

• 5 Signs Of ‘Creative Burnout’ In 2024 And 5 Ways To Stop It (click here to read on Forbes)​
• I hired a virtual assistant after I realized how overwhelmed I was with work. Asking for help was hard, but it's been so worth it. (click here to read on Business Insider)​
• The 3 biggest confidence killers and expert-approved tips to pick yourself back up (click here to read on The Sun)​
• Achieve work-life balance when working from home: Set clear hours, take breaks, and more (click here to read on Money Control)​
• Best Blue Light Glasses for Gaming & Working From Home (click here to read on MSN)​

WFH Tip: To WIN working from home, take a break from technology every once in a while.

Badass Affirmation of the Week

I can survive even my greatest fears.

I have important things to say.

I face my fears bravely.

Say it. Believe it. Be it.

From the book Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson

I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter. Thank you for linking arms and being part of my working from home tribe!

I'll be back next week with more tips, inspiration, and other fun stuff to empower your WFH success. Until then, have a beautiful week!

xoxo,
Michele

P.S. It's my goal to inspire you and remind you of your greatness as we navigate WFH life together. If you loved this week's newsletter, please feel free to forward it to your friends!

And if you haven't already joined our Work From Home Winners Club private Facebook group, click here to do so now! We'd love for you to be part of the community we're building there.

October 6, 2024 | Coach Michele Peterson

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