Mindset Moments
We’re almost there. The end of the year is peeking around the corner...the glittery invites arrive, the deadlines loom, the “we must catch-up before Christmas" phrase seems ill thought through and inboxes are overflowing with urgent things that somehow didn’t exist two weeks ago.
It’s the season of the final push. For those 80s folks out there, it's important to know that I now have 'The Final Countdown' blasting in my mind (sorry to pass that on to you!).
Except, here’s the thing: sometimes the final push is exactly what pushes us over the edge.
The Myth of the Year-End Sprint
Somewhere along the line, we absorbed the idea that we need to finish strong.
You know, wrap everything up in a neat bow whilst we're looking Instagram perfect and simply glowing like a Korean face mask promises us. Be the kind of person who ends the year productive, balanced and armed with new goals for January. Gosh I feel exhausted already!
But let’s be honest...most of us are just trying to make it to the holidays with enough energy left to pull on an itchy festive jumper and enjoy a mince pie without passing out mid-bite.
Perfection is overrated. Pride, on the other hand, is sustainable.
Proud, Not Perfect
So what's the Jeda like mindset shift we need Zoë I hear you ask...well it seems a simple shift but what if we tried ending the year feeling proud, not perfect?
Proud that you tried. Proud that you grew. Proud that you didn’t completely lose your sh*t when things got messy and held on to your sense of humour when it mattered most.
Pride comes from presence, progress and definitely not perfectionism.
It’s what happens when you pause long enough to notice how far you’ve actually come...even if it wasn’t a straight line.
So before you start another to-do list called “Things to Fix Before December 31st,” try this instead:
Three Simple Shifts To End The Year Well
You don’t need a full life overhaul to finish the year feeling better.
Tiny mindset tweaks often have the biggest ripple effects...they help you step out of autopilot and back into intention.
Think of these not as rules, but gentle course corrections, ways to end the year with more calm, clarity and self-respect (and maybe fewer late-night emails or brain tabs left open).
Stop measuring your worth in output.
You don’t need to earn your rest. Productivity isn’t the same as progress and busyness isn’t a badge of honour. Take time off without guilt...it’s maintenance, not laziness.
Choose your wins.
Write down three things from this year that you’re genuinely proud of...big or small. The point isn’t to impress anyone; it’s to remind yourself that growth isn’t only measured by achievement.Protect your peace.
December has a way of turning “one quick coffee” into six social commitments. You’re allowed to say no. Create space for what restores you...sleep, fresh air, quiet mornings, or simply doing nothing at all.
Don't Forget
The truth is, you don’t need to cross the finish line sprinting.
You can walk, or even meander into the new year with calm, clarity and that quiet, steady kind of pride that doesn’t need applause. In fact it doesn't need anyone but you watching.
Every day, month and season has its rhythm. Some rhythms are for leaping forward, others for catching your breath and noticing how far you’ve already come.
Slowing down doesn’t mean your giving up...it means noticing where your energy is at, your own growth and the simple fact that you’re human. Built for 'human being' not just 'human doing'.
So as the year wraps up, take a moment to exhale.
You’ve done more than enough. You’ve learned, adapted, cared, endured, and probably made someone’s day without even realising it.
Because life isn’t a race. And your worth was never waiting on a perfect ending...it’s right here, in the imperfect, beautiful and often messy middle of things.
What would make you feel proud and not perfect as you close out this year?
“Have no fear of perfection...you'll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali
If you want to explore this more and discover how to finish the year feeling proud, energized, and ready for what’s next, why not book your FREE coaching intro call today.
Hi I'm Zoë Schofield
Your dedicated Career, Life & Personal Development Coach.
Clarity + Courage for Crossroad Moments
I help people navigate career crossroads, life transitions and everything in between... through curiosity, clarity, confidence and perhaps a little humour too along the way!
I've been where you are; successful on paper but unsure what's next, perhaps pulled in too many directions and craving something more aligned. My coaching is practical, human and gently challenging. No pressure to have it all figured out, just real support to help you reconnect with what matters and take action from there.
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