Here we are in the last month of the year.

The U.S. Thanksgiving break is over, and we only have a few short weeks to wind down our 2019 responsibilities. How can we position ourselves for the start of a New Year?

In anticipation of 2020, your plans are likely in place; you’re ready to move on. But hold on a second!

If you feel your business is under control and you can wind down—DON’T! If you lighten up now, your followers will, too. Productivity will go in the tank!

Leadership Tip
Do not fall into the trap of coasting into next year. You still have plenty of valuable work to do this year!

As writer Sam Ewig said: “It’s not the hours you put in your work that counts; it’s the work you put in the hours.”

So let’s finish strong, knowing you still have time. These suggestions will help you squeeze a little more out of this year.

• Go through your 2019 planner and identify items on your “to-do” list that never got carried forward. Decide if you should revive any of them.
• Go through your 2019 planner and identify those who you should call—a customer, a vendor, someone you haven’t contacted lately. Identify key relationships you need to nurture.
• Identify three people in your organization you should spend at least an hour each with to teach them something new.
• Identify what else you can do that would be of great value before the year ends.

I’m all for taking a break and spending quality time with family and friends this December. However, let’s maintain a high level of passion, intensity, and work ethic through this festive season.

I’ve said it before, and I remind you now: Coasting is not allowed on the road to success.