How to Keep Your Business Healthy AND YOU During the Busy Fourth Quarter: My Key Lessons
Starting my own business in January 2020 has been a rewarding journey, especially as I’ve learned to manage my busiest time—Q4.
Here’s my experience and the practical steps I take to stay balanced and effective during this peak season:
1. Recognize Your Peak Season
Lesson: Know when your business is busiest. For me, Q4 — October through December — is when I need to be at my best.
2. Avoid Overcommitting to Travel & Major Events
Action Step:
Do not schedule international trips during November or December. These months are critical for my clients and my own well-being.
Example: I was invited to Rwanda to learn from female entrepreneurs, and I said yes without considering the timing. While it was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much, the hardest lesson I learned was that I can’t show up my best self when I have traveled halfway around the world. I realized that such trips can disrupt my focus during the busiest months. I can and will say “yes,” just not October - December.
3. Conduct Virtual Strategic Offsites
Action Step:
Switch in-person meetings or offsites to virtual when November hits. This saves time, reduces stress, and helps prioritize client work.
4. Manage External Emergencies with Perspective
Lesson:
Poor planning by others doesn’t mean I need to drop everything.
Guideline: Only respond to true emergencies that align with your priorities, not last-minute crises caused by others’ oversight.
5. Implement and Adapt These Guidelines
Reality Check:
I don’t always perfect these rules, but they serve as my blueprint for maintaining health and clarity.
They help me show up as my best for clients, while also enjoying the holidays with loved ones.
Final Tip: Set clear boundaries early, communicate them respectfully, and stay committed. Your business—and your well-being—will thank you!