5 Actions to Take Before the End of 2023 for a Successful Year

Practical ways to finish strong and set yourself up for a winning 2024

As we approach the final quarter of 2023, it's time to take stock of the year so far and plan for a strong finish. Whether you've had a stellar year or faced some bumps along the way, there's always room for improvement and growth. In this post, I’ll share five actions you can take before the end of the year that will genuinely improve how you finish 2023.

These actions are based on personal insights and experiences, and they’re here to inspire you to take meaningful steps in your own journey.

1. Have a Word with Yourself

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It's important to take a step back and assess your performance so far. What went well? What didn’t? What can you do better?

Assess Your Performance

If the year has been a bit of a car crash, list three things you need to stay on top of so it doesn't repeat. On the other hand, if it's been a strong year, list the fundamentals you did right. Don’t let success make you sloppy—keep working the basics to stay sharp through the finish line.

Remember, self-reflection isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about identifying growth points and locking in lessons.

Stay Grounded

It’s easy to get carried away with success. Stay humble. Remember the fundamentals that got you here and keep showing up for them. Success isn’t a trophy—it’s a habit.

So, take the time to reflect, realign, and refocus. You’ve got this.

2. Get Real About Your Priorities

The final stretch of the year calls for clarity. What are you chasing? There are a lot of shiny things you could focus on—but many are distractions from the one thing that actually moves the needle: customer acquisition.

Focus on Customer Acquisition

It’s tempting to dive into personal branding, new product ideas, or tweaking the customer experience. All worthwhile—but not at the cost of generating business. If you’re not consistently bringing in customers, nothing else matters.

So, double down on what feeds your business. Make acquiring customers your top priority and protect your time like it depends on it—because it does.

Avoid Distractions

Shiny new ideas are great—until they pull you off course. Not every good idea is a good idea right now. Finish what matters. Tune out what doesn’t.

So, clarify your priorities, focus on revenue-generating actions, and avoid rabbit holes. Your Q4 self will thank you.

3. Tidy Your Desk/Office

Your environment fuels your energy. A cluttered space creates mental fog, while a clean space creates momentum.

Clean and Organise Your Workspace

If you thrive on neatness, declutter. If you’re a creative with a bit of chaos, fine—but ditch the distractions (looking at you, week-old coffee cup).

When your space is clean, your focus sharpens. Your productivity rises. You feel more in control.

Create a Positive Environment

Make your workspace somewhere you want to be. Add a plant, a photo, a motivational quote—whatever boosts your vibe. Set the tone to finish the year strong.

So, give your space some love. You’ll feel the shift immediately.

4. Send Some Messages

Relationships drive business. It’s easy to let them drift—don’t. A simple message can go a long way.

Reach Out to Existing Clients

Send a quick note to thank them, wish them well, or check in. It’s not about selling—it’s about showing you care. They’ll remember it when it counts.

Customer retention > customer acquisition in terms of cost and effort. Don’t neglect the people already in your corner.

Connect with Prospects

Been meaning to follow up with someone? Do it now. The sooner you build familiarity, the easier the business conversation will be later. Warm up the connection before the pitch ever happens.

So, hit send on those messages. Build bridges now that will carry you into the new year.

5. Address the Vice You Need to Cut Out

Everyone’s got one—that thing that eats time, attention, and momentum. If you want a strong finish, it’s time to face it.

Identify Your Vices

Maybe it's social media. Maybe it’s YouTube or online shopping or doom-scrolling. Whatever it is, call it out. Then, put up some guardrails. Use browser extensions. Turn off notifications. Set boundaries.

For example, DF Tube removes YouTube’s suggested videos—so you don’t get pulled into a rabbit hole. What’s your version?

Take Action

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being better. Reducing distraction is a game-changer. Reclaim your time, and you reclaim your results.

So, name your vice. Limit its power. And refocus your energy on what truly matters.

Wrap-Up: WPTMV

Here’s a fun way to remember these five actions: WPTMV
Word (self-reflection)
Priorities (focus on customer acquisition)
Tidy (your workspace)
Messages (to clients and prospects)
Vice (cut the distractions)

Say it out loud—WPTMV! Okay, maybe just click save.

Which of these needs the most attention for you right now?

Let’s smash these last few months—every one of you is awesome (except the trolls… do better 😉).

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