December is here, and with it comes a familiar blend of excitement and overwhelm. For those of us in family business, the end of the year often feels like a race to the finish line. There’s year-end paperwork, financial reviews, employee evaluations, holiday travel, family gatherings, and—let’s not forget—the need to find time for rest and rejuvenation. It’s no surprise that many of us end up feeling exhausted and stretched thin.
I’ll admit, this morning I had one of those moments where I thought, “There’s no way I can do it all this month.” But then I paused, took a deep breath, and realized something important: the holiday season, though busy, is also a perfect time to be intentional about how we wrap up the year, reflect on what’s been working, and make space for what we truly need. It’s about slowing down enough to get clear on how we want to finish the year and set ourselves up for success in 2025.
If you’re feeling the weight of the season, I want to share the approach I’m taking this December—one that balances the hustle with intentionality. These are three things I’m focusing on this month, and I invite you to join me in them.
1. Reflect and Celebrate the Wins
At the end of each year, it’s natural to evaluate what’s been accomplished, what’s been left undone, and where we can improve. But before diving into what didn’t go as planned, it’s important to take time to reflect on what went well and celebrate those wins.
I’m not talking about throwing a big party (unless that’s your thing), but rather pausing to recognize and appreciate the things that have worked well—whether big or small. Often in family business, we’re so focused on the next task, the next goal, or the next hurdle that we forget to acknowledge what’s been successful.
Last week, I participated in a roundtable discussion about family business at the University of Denver, and one of the activities really stood out to me. We were asked to share one of our “superpowers,” something we were proud of or good at. It was a simple exercise, but it shifted the energy in the room. Instead of focusing on flaws or areas for improvement, we took time to recognize each other’s strengths and successes.
I think it’s a great reminder for family business owners: don’t overlook what’s working. Whether it’s a successful project, a strong team dynamic, or something personal you’ve accomplished, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate it. You might be surprised by how powerful that can be.
So, this December, I invite you to reflect on the past year, and spend some time naming your successes—no matter how small. Celebrate them in a way that feels right for you and your business, whether that’s through a team meeting, a personal journal, or a simple “thank you” to someone who contributed to your success.
2. Make Space for What You Truly Need
The holidays can be a time of both connection and chaos. Family gatherings, holiday parties, travel plans—it’s all part of the season, but it can also feel like a lot to juggle. As family business owners, it’s easy for business matters to slip into family time, or for family obligations to distract us from the needs of our business. So, one of the most important things I’m focusing on this December is making space for what I truly need.
I’ve learned that traditions are great, but sometimes they need to evolve to fit the reality of where we are right now. This year, I’m being intentional about setting aside time to rest, recharge, and truly connect with my family—without the pressure of business tasks hanging over me. It’s easy to say, “Oh, we’ll just check the emails or finalize that document over dinner,” but I know that this kind of distraction doesn’t serve me, my family, or my business in the long run.
So, this December, I encourage you to think about what you really need. Maybe it’s some quiet time alone to recharge. Maybe it’s quality time with your family without discussing business. Maybe it’s a holiday tradition that needs a little updating, or a break from some of the usual events that drain your energy.
Think about it: what do you truly need to feel grounded, rejuvenated, and ready for the year ahead? And give yourself permission to make space for that. This might mean setting boundaries around work, taking a step back from overly demanding holiday commitments, or simply allowing yourself to rest without guilt.
3. Dream and Vision for 2025
One of my favorite things to do at the end of the year is to dream about the future. We’re all familiar with the practice of setting goals and planning for the upcoming year, but I’ve learned that December is a time to dream first—before the logistics and “to-do” lists take over.
Instead of jumping into the “how” of planning for 2025, I’m giving myself permission to dream and envision what I really want. What do I want my business to look like? How do I want to feel personally? What impact do I want to have on my family, my community, and the world?
This may seem like the “big-picture” stuff, and sometimes it feels more comfortable to dive into practical goals, but dreaming and visioning is a crucial part of the planning process. You have to know what you’re aiming for before you can figure out how to get there.
During December, take some time to think about the year ahead. Ask yourself:
How do you want to feel in 2025?
What kind of impact do you want to have on your business, your family, and your community?
What kind of work do you want to be doing?
Once you’ve allowed yourself to dream, the next step is to start thinking about how you can invest in that vision now. What resources, tools, or support will you need to bring your vision to life? This could mean investing in personal development, taking the time to plan strategically, or even seeking external support—like coaching or consulting—to help you achieve your goals.
Remember, you are your business’s most valuable asset, and investing in yourself is just as important as investing in your business. The work you do now—whether it’s reflecting, resting, or planning—will lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling 2025.
Wrapping Up
As the year winds down, the temptation to rush through it all is strong. But I believe that taking the time to reflect on what’s working, make space for what you need, and dream for the future will set you up for a more intentional and successful year ahead.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into these practices and want some support as you navigate your goals for 2025, I’m here to help. Whether it’s coaching, planning, or simply a sounding board for your ideas, I’m available for discovery calls, and I’d love to help you create a plan that aligns with your vision for the future.
Here’s to wrapping up 2024 with intention, creating space for what really matters, and stepping into 2025 with a clear vision and renewed energy. You’ve got this!
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