What Do You Need to Start, Stop, or Continue to Finish 2025 Strong?

With less than 40 days left in the year, I had a wake-up call I didn’t see coming.

Last week, I spent many hours answering calls and helping others with their needs, but by the end of the week, I was completely drained.

While reflecting on the week, I realized most of the conversations weren’t necessary. I was more of a safety net! Sometimes being the “safety net” for someone is needed, but we can’t always be the lifesaver for everyone while neglecting what we need to do for ourselves.

Here’s what hit me at the end of the week!

I was doing exactly what I vowed NOT to do in 2025, being overly available, saying yes too often, and letting other people’s priorities interrupt my own.

If you’re anything like me, now is the moment to revisit the goals you set and decide what you need to:

✅ Start
❌ Stop
✅ Continue

Because saying yes to everything doesn’t lead to progress, it leads to exhaustion, frustration, and stalled outcomes. Finishing strong requires intention, not availability.

Continue reading to learn some practical steps to finish the year strong. Learn what you need to start, stop or continue as you countdown, 2025.

STOP Adding and Remove What Does Not Serve You

Before you add anything new, remove what’s draining you.

1.Stop saying yes to everything.
Not every request deserves your time or energy. Just because someone asks doesn’t mean you must say yes.
Suggestion: Identify one meeting or request this week you can decline, without guilt.

2.Stop answering every call and message immediately.
Urgency from others ≠ priority for you. Constant accessibility kills focus.
Suggestion: Set communication windows (for example, return calls only between 2–4 PM). Apply the same boundary in your personal life (e.g., limit extracurricular shuttles to one activity this week).

3.Stop contributing to things that don’t align with your goals.
If it’s not meaningful, strategic, or energizing, it’s a distraction.
Suggestion: Before you say yes, ask: Will this move me toward or away from what matters?

START-Protecting What Matters Most

Finishing strong isn’t doing more; it’s doing what matters.

1.Start protecting your time.
Treat your calendar like a contract, not a suggestion.
Suggestion: Block one non-negotiable time slot each day for focused work or rest

2.Start saying “no” as an act of self-leadership.
A “no” today is a “yes” for your future priorities.
Suggestion: Prepare a simple, respectful script you can use, e.g.:
“Thanks for thinking of me, I am focused on spending time with my family as the year comes to an end, but thank you again for thinking about me.”

3.Start setting clear daily or weekly intentions.
Clarity reduces overwhelm and improves output.
Suggestion: Each morning (or Sunday night) write your top three priorities for the day or week. I usually write my priorities for the day.

CONTINUE to Double Down on What’s Working

You don’t have to change everything, keep the wins.

1.Continue showing up for your goals.
Consistency, not intensity, produces results.
Suggestion: Review what worked best this year and commit to repeating it.

2.Continue investing in the right relationships.
Quality > quantity. Focus on people who energize and challenge you.
Suggestion: Schedule one intentional conversation this month with someone who motivates you.

3.Continue celebrating progress.
Small wins compound. Recognition keeps you moving.
Suggestion: Keep a “Wins List” and update it weekly until year-end.