Episode 58 | September Reset for a Successful End of Year

Episode Introduction

As we head into September, Niamh encourages listeners to take a moment to check in on their progress and reset their goals.  She provides three key questions to help you assess your projects and make sure you're set up for success in the final months of the year.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back and Reflections on Summer
01:05 Taking Stock: Preparing for the Final Months
02:53 Assessing Goals: Relevance and Progress
05:17 Evaluating Plans: Are They Still Effective?
07:12 Time Management: Prioritising Goals
10:35 Scheduling for Success: Making Time for Goals
12:00 Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Clarity

Episode Summary

It's Time for a September Check-in

With the end of the year approaching, Niamh believes that taking a moment in September to assess your progress is crucial.  While many people leave this for the last quarter, she finds that's often too late.  By October and November, most people are extremely busy with deadlines and don't have time to catch up.  Taking stock now and making any necessary adjustments ahead of October increases your chances of success and reduces unnecessary stress.  Niamh reminds listeners of the "power of yet" from Episode 35: if you haven't reached your goals, it's not a failure—you just haven't got there yet.

Three Questions to Evaluate Your Progress

Whether your projects are going well or not, Niamh suggests asking three important questions: First, does this goal still matter?  Sometimes, what seemed like a great idea at the start of the year is no longer as important.  If a goal is no longer relevant, you may need to reduce your effort on it and allocate your time elsewhere.  Second, is your plan still the right one?  Plans often need to be adapted once you start working on a project, so don't be afraid to update your approach.  Finally, do you have the time to work on it?  Niamh highlights that even small, consistent blocks of time can lead to significant progress.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

• Assess if your goals and projects are still relevant and matter to your work.
• Understand why your original plan may no longer be the best approach and learn how to adjust it accordingly.
• Reframe your mindset with the "power of yet" to stay motivated.
• Set aside dedicated time for your most important work, even in a busy schedule.
• Consider if you are prioritising tasks to avoid working on something else.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Check In Early: Don't wait until the final quarter to review your progress on your goals.  Use September as a time to take stock and make adjustments to avoid unnecessary stress later in the year.
• Does It Still Matter: Before you push forward on a goal, ask yourself if it is still relevant and if the effort is worth the outcome.  If not, it may be time to scale back.
• Adapt Your Plan: It's normal for your initial plan to change.  Review your approach and be ready to adapt it as you progress, rather than continuing with an outdated strategy.
• Acknowledge the "Yet": Use the word "yet" to reframe your thinking.  If you haven't reached a goal, it doesn't mean you won't achieve it.  This keeps you open to new opportunities and a new plan.
• Schedule Time for Success: You don't need a whole week to make progress.  By dedicating just 30 minutes a day, you can achieve significant results over a few months.

Resources and Related Episodes

Episode 35: Reframing Unfinished Goals

Information about the Momentum programme

About the Host and Podcast

Welcome to The Better Workday Podcast with your host, Niamh Moynihan.  Niamh is the founder of Better Workday.  She will challenge you to think differently about how you manage your time, energy, attention and relationships at work to be successful while supporting your well-being.

In each episode, Niamh shares new insights and practical ideas to help you create a better workday.

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