Rebelize Change

We’re deep into the final stretch of the year, and everywhere you look, people are talking about “finishing strong,” “Q4 energy,” and “new year prep.” But beyond the buzzwords, this season holds something personal – a moment to pause, realign, and decide how you want to close out the year with intention and compassion.

What This Part of the Year Really Means

We’re well into the final quarter now. In the business world, Q4 is when companies assess progress, tie up loose ends, and prepare for what’s next. But outside of corporate timelines, this season hits differently.

It’s a checkpoint.
A moment to get honest about what matters to you.
A chance to reconnect with yourself and create momentum, not pressure.

When “Finish Strong” Feels Hard to Do

The cooler months and the holidays tend to pull us into one of two rhythms, either gearing up for a packed social season or settling into slower more withdrawn days.

Both ways of moving through this time are completely valid. But this is also when the negative self-talk gets louder.

F* it, just start again in January. – me

Maybe your wellness routine slipped.
Maybe that creative project you swore you’d finish is still untouched in your hard drive.
Maybe you’re just worn out from a year of showing up for everyone and everything but yourself.

This stretch of the year has a way of making even the most motivated person want to give up.

How I Used to Fall Into the “I’ll Start in January” Trap

Every time this season rolled in, I’d mentally check out. If I hadn’t hit my big goals, I’d start convincing myself they didn’t matter anymore. I’d coast. I’d say things like, “I’ll just enjoy these last months and pick everything back up in January, because this time around I’ll get it just right.”

Rest is beautiful, needed, and grounding. But I used that story as permission to stop trying. And by the time the new year arrived, I’d feel guilty, disappointed, and discouraged because I gave up.

Here’s What I Know Now

That negative voice telling you that is okay to put off the things that felt meaningful to you? It’s lying.

There’s still time. You’re note late. You’re not behind. And you haven’t “wasted” your year.

Even if your big goals didn’t happen, you’ve been growing in ways you didn’t give yourself credit for.

Why This Season Can Feel Like a “Give Up” Zone

This time of year can also mess with your energy:

• Less sunlight = less momentum
• More responsibilities = more overwhelm
• Holiday plans = more distractions

And then the self-doubt starts. We measure ourselves by what we didn’t accomplish, not what we actually did. But here’s the reframe: This isn’t the end of the your 2025 season. It’s a checkpoint for reflection and realignment.

Reflect, then Restart if You Need to

Before you consider this year a wrap, try this reflection exercise to reconnect with what’s already working.

1. Celebrate the Small Wins

Grab a notebook or open your Notes app, and write down everything you’ve done this year, big or small, expected, unexpected. Think about moments that made your life richer or easier. Here are some examples:

• You showed up for a friend when they needed you.
• You prioritized your health by making all those appointments you kept putting off.
• You tried something new, even when it scared you to bits.
• You made choices that protected your peace.

When you connect your wins to how they made you feel – peaceful, confident, proud – you start to see that progress isn’t always about numbers or deadlines.

2. Acknowledge the Unplanned Wins

Some of your biggest moments of growth weren’t part of a plan. Maybe you:

• Navigated a difficult season with grace.
• Set a boundary that changed your peace of mind.
• Adjusted to change without losing yourself.

Progress doesn’t always look like a finish line. Sometimes it looks like resilience.

3. Ask Yourself: What’s Still Possible Right Now?

Instead of waiting for January, or some symbolic reset, ask yourself: “What can I do in the next weeks that will make me feel good?”

Maybe it’s:

• Moving your body in ways that feel easy, not punishing.
• Cooking meals that nourish your body and mood.
• Journaling a few nights a week.
• Simplifying your schedule before it gets hectic.

Small actions stack. They create momentum that carries you confidently into the new year.

Alignment Beats Perfection – Every Time!

This part of the year isn’t about sprinting to the finish line. It’s about aligning with what matters most. You’ve already lived through a full year of shifts, lessons, and growth. You know more about yourself now than you did in January.

So don’t let the calendar convince you you’re behind.

You’re right on time.

And there’s still room for beautiful progress before the year ends.