Take Time To Plan Your Year: A Simple End of Year Review Process
As the end of the year quickly approaches, Megan and I always set aside time to re-evaluate how things went. It is a ritual we have built over the years. We map out our goals, set the budget for the upcoming year, and take a close look at what worked well and what needs more attention.
One thing that always surprises me is how often we do not look at that planning document again until the end of the year, yet we still end up hitting most of our goals or getting very close. That experience has made me a firm believer in projecting your budget, goals, and overall direction before the new year begins.
We typically do this review in November and December. It feels like a busy time to sit down and plan, but having a clear map before January 1 makes all the difference. We start the new year already knowing what we are working toward.
I want to encourage you to take a little time to plan ahead for your year. Many of the clients we work with are constantly in reaction mode, and it is completely understandable. Running a small business is hectic. You spend your days putting out fires and playing defense instead of offense. Carving out even a few hours of quiet planning time can help you set your intentions for 2026 and break the cycle of always reacting. When you know your goals and your plans, it becomes much easier to decide what to say yes to and what to say no to.
Here are a few of the questions we ask ourselves each year to evaluate the previous year and make a plan for the year ahead.
Start by reviewing 2025
How did the year go
Did you hit your budget projection? Why or why not
Did you complete the initiatives you planned
What do you want to stop doing
What do you want to do differently
Then look ahead to 2026
What do I want for my business
What are my measurable goals for the year
What does my projected budget look like, including revenue and marketing
If this is your first time doing a full review, it may take longer. Once you do it a few years in a row, it becomes easier because you are working from last year’s numbers.
As part of this planning process, it is also a good time to evaluate the main sections of your business at a high level. Look for gaps, inefficiencies, and areas that may need to be updated or streamlined.
Your Tech Stack
Are the tools you use still working for you
Are they making things easier or harder
Is it time to upgrade or simplify
Your Marketing
Are you happy with your social media presence
Does your content still reflect your brand well, or is it time to refresh it
How many emails are you sending each month, and do you want to add SMS next year
Do your services still reflect the work you want to do
Are there new offers you want to introduce
Are there any you are ready to retire
Your Graphic Design and Visual Branding
Is your branding consistent across platforms
Are your templates and graphics still aligned with your current direction
Do you need updated design assets for next year
Your Systems and Processes
Are your workflows efficient
Are there tasks you repeat often that should be documented
Are there areas that could be automated
Are there bottlenecks slowing down your team or your output
Your Network and Visibility
Should you join a new networking group
Do you want to attend more community or industry events
Are there partners you want to collaborate with next year
Team Alignment
Does your team understand the goals for next year
Do roles or responsibilities need to shift
Are expectations and priorities clear going into 2026
What often happens is that we stay so busy reacting that we never slow down long enough to plan. Without a strategy, the chaos of owning a business pulls us in whatever direction it chooses. When you have a plan, even a simple one, you gain clarity and control. Your business starts moving toward the future you want instead of the future that simply happens.
If you need support reviewing your marketing or planning your strategy for 2026, our team is always available to help.
