The final quarter of the year always feels like a race to the finish. It’s often a mix of reflection, holidays, busyness, and the desire to leave little undone. This year, my final quarterly goals were dramatically influenced by events beyond my control.
If you’re just joining me here, I have been reviewing the ways in which having quarterly goals helps a person to maintain organization in their life. If you want to read about the previous three quarters, you can do so here.
What My Q4 Goals Were
My intention was satisfaction. To be comfortable and accept “good enough,” to stay present, and to participate in the season in a way that honored my energy and my values. I can admit that while I met all my obligations to the best of my ability, my head was swimming at the rate at which my life turned upside down on me.
Without sharing too many details, here are the highlights.
In October I received an offer for my home that was too good to pass up. So, I packed up almost everything I own, put it into storage in November, and moved into a tiny house with my husband, Nick.
In November I also gave a joint presentation at the 2025 International ADHD Conference with my colleague, Sara Skillen. After that I had MOHS surgery on 2 skin cancers on my face.
In early December I was honored and delighted to give a virtual presentation at the JALO (Japanese Association of Life Organizers).
This final quarter has been full of activity. None of these things were on my radar in January. There was no way that I could have predicted moving house this year or giving two different presentations back-to-back.
I am proud of myself for showing up every day and for making sure that I continually took steps forward.
What Q4 Taught Me
Good enough is often truly enough. One of my final quarterly goals was to do everything I had committed to doing. And to make each project something I could be proud of – even if it wasn’t perfect. I did this by recognizing that perfection steals joy and realistic expectations create ease.
Clutter, physical or mental, needs attention Clearing space, allowing myself to just focus on taking the next immediate step, made everything work more smoothly. The end result still matters and keeping it in mind helped me to guide my steps but paying closer attention to completing small actions prevented me from feeling overwhelmed.
Reflection brings clarity. Looking back at the year, I could never have predicted what would enfold for me in the fourth quarter of this year. There was no way to prepare. I just had to ride the roller coaster. Yes, most of this has been hard – very hard, but the result is a good one and I am happy with it.
How My Final Quarterly Goals Shifted and Supported Me
I focused on solid habits and routines to support a sense of calm, prepared what I could ahead of time, and let go of anything that didn’t matter. I intentionally let go of things that I traditionally do like sending out Christmas cards to family and friends, baking Christmas cookies, and decorating the house for Christmas.
I paid attention to what matters most and realized that being truly present is a gift to myself as well as others. As the title of the book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” advocates, I focused on the big rocks.
What I’ll Do Differently in 2026 (Based on the Final Quarterly Goals)
Instead of assigning goals to the fourth quarter, I will use the fourth quarter to fine tune the things I have been putting my efforts towards during the year. Then I will wrap them up.
Takeaway for You
Quarterly goals give you perspective. Even if you didn’t hit every target or any target at all, you can always identify growth. Think about the things you did which supported your efforts. Notice the things that didn’t go as expected, and ask yourself about the lessons you learned along the way.
A Question for Reflection
What surprised you most about your own growth this year?
Call to Action
Take 15 minutes to reflect on your final quarter. You will be amazed at how much you have accomplished.
Would you like to create an action plan to achieve your goals in 2026? Then register for a 12-week virtual organizing class I am teaching with Jonda Beattie. You can read more about it here.
This blog closes out my blogging in 2025. I’ll be back on Sunday, January 4, 2026. I hope you have a very Happy Holiday – See you next year!
This was so helpful! It’s easy to lose momentum. These reminders are perfect for staying focused through December.
Thank you, Olivia
I knew you had a lot going on in terms of deliverables in 4th quarter, but had no idea about so much, including the surgery and the house. A tiny home? As in, *literally* one of those tiny homes, or just a house tinier than the kind you’re used to? Because either is a huge change, but the former is pretty radical. Wow!
I really appreciate the role modeling you’ve done with this series, and I think the reflection will help others get clarity on their own goals and how to approach them. (And I think there’s a lot of wisdom in not planning for huge deliverables in 4th quarter, whenever possible.)
Here’s hoping you have a productive, but low-stress, 2026!
Thank you, Julie. It is not a tiny house but it is much smaller than almost all of the places I have lived. And, I’m loving it. There is such beauty in the simplicity required.
Wow, Diane! I just saw you in September, and other than presenting at the ADHD conference, none of those that you mentioned were part of the plan at that time. Those are a lot of BIG things to navigate. Given how intentional you are with your life, I can imagine how your flexibility muscles must have gotten a lot of exercise.
First of all, congratulations on your two speaking gigs- ADHD and JALO conferences! Fantastic!!! And wow! You moved. I remember when you moved into the place you just sold. And now you’re in a new transition time. You’re an expert mover, and I know all of what you’ve learned will help you navigate this time, too. Living in a tiny house is one of my fantasies. How is that going?
I’m sorry you had MOHS surgery and hope you are doing better now.
Here’s to you, to wrapping up this year, being gentle and kind to yourself, and for moving forward with new plans and goals for 2026. I wish you all the best of light, love, health, and joy!
Thank you, Linda. My flexibility muscle is feeling a little sore but everything is getting better. I love where I am living so that is a bonus.
Happy New Year!
That was quite a 4th quarter! My husband had the MOHS surgery in Q4 as well. It had needed to be done for a long time, so it was a relief to have it behind us.
I agree that I used to allow myself to have “extra” obligations in Q4, and I think I’ve decided not to do that to myself anymore. A couple years ago I really pushed it just a little too far, and even those were things I planned. I just never know when tasks, challenges, and responsibilities will pop up, but since I know the end of the year is always a little busier than normal, it’s a good time to plan to simply finish up outstanding business and maybe even relax a bit if time allows!
That sounds like a good plan, Seana.