“It’s not where you start; it’s where you finish that counts.” ~Zig Ziglar.
It ain’t over ’til it’s over. And there’s one-fourth of 2023 — three whole months — left for you to make your mark.
People may not remember how you started, but they will remember how you finished. So you have time to get your act together and finish strong. Maybe you’re disillusioned or disappointed, or you may even feel defeated. Sure, there have been ups and downs and some successes and failures. But there’s plenty of time!
Some have already given up on the year, and others have thrown in the towel. But that’s not you, right? You need an intentional plan.
Do you need to get up off your rear and get it done?
Finish strong for you, not for anyone else. Finish strong by reaching your goals, not because someone else did it. Finish strong by running in your lane. The only competition you have is who you were yesterday. Make your today so awesome that your yesterday gets jealous.
Are you ready to finish strong? Here are some sure-fire tips to help you get where you’re going — this year!
FIRST THINGS FIRST. What do you need to accomplish? You don’t need a long list, only the top 3 things. In fact, start with the most important thing you want to finish or check off before December 31, 2023.
WRITE IT DOWN. Put it on paper because paper never forgets. Keep it in front of you: On your fridge, computer screen, car dashboard, bathroom mirror, desk at work. As a reminder, wear a rubber band around your wrist and print a picture of your goal.
WHY IS THIS GOAL SO IMPORTANT? Please don’t skip this step. It will keep you going when you want to give up and quit. Write down ten reasons this goal is important. Read them out loud every day. 
WHO OR WHAT CAN HELP YOU? You can’t do this alone. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. First, tell someone your goal today and how important it is to you. Ask them to help you and set up a regular check-in with them. What app or boundaries will help you? Get counsel, listen to advice, set the course, and then relentlessly pursue your goal.
Accountability is the glue that will keep you on track.
WHAT IS YOUR WISEST NEXT STEP? You’ve heard me ask this before. But now is the time for action; your first step will likely get you halfway to your goal.
Action is the antidote for fear, paralysis, disappointment, and procrastination.
Do it now. Do it scared.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS AND BECOME LASER-FOCUSED. Distractions and time suckers are goal-killers. Ruthlessly eliminate those things, even if for a season. If your goal is the #1 most crucial focus, other things can wait. Name those other things. Set boundaries. Be fearless and focus like a bulldog.
DO SOMETHING EVERY DAY THAT WILL GET YOU CLOSER TO YOUR GOAL. 
Once you set your goal, create baby steps and a timeline. Map it out. Start at the end and work your way back. Develop a road map with intermittent deadlines and mile markers. Create a daily and weekly list of action items and small goals to help you reach the big end-of-year goal.
DON’T QUIT. Done is better than perfect so you can sacrifice perfection for completion. You may be three feet from gold. “It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.” ~Vince Lombardi.
When you don’t give up, you succeed 100% of the time.
PLAN THE CELEBRATION. You aren’t there yet but give yourself an incentive. What will you do when you accomplish this goal by December 31? Who will you celebrate with? Where will you celebrate? Plan it. Make a reservation, make it a date!
The antidote for your troubles? Take action, and keep moving. What is your wisest next step? When will you take it? Go for it!