Year-End (Inner) Conflict for Small Business Owners: Cosy Vibes or Clean Up Mode?
As the end of the year rolls around, many of us small business owners feel a tug-of-war between two opposing forces. On one side, we have the desire to slow down, enjoy the cosy, hygge vibes of winter, and take some well-deserved rest. On the other, we feel the urge to wrap things up, tidy our business operations, and prepare for a fresh start in the New Year. It’s the classic end-of-year conflict, and it can leave us feeling stretched, overwhelmed, and guilty no matter what we choose. But -spoiler alert - we can do both!
Let’s take a moment to breathe away this tension, because here’s the truth: it’s completely normal to feel this way. It’s a sign that you care deeply about your business. After all, it’s something you’ve built from the ground up, and it’s natural that your thoughts will drift back to it, even during moments of downtime. But you don’t have to feel guilty about this. Instead, embrace it and gently plan for it, so that you can truly unwind without the constant buzz of to-do lists in your head.
A Tidy Business = A Clear Mind (But It’s Okay If It’s Not Perfect)
The appeal of ending the year with a squeaky-clean business is strong. There’s something deeply satisfying about tidying up, decluttering files, closing out projects, and creating a fresh slate for January. And yes, a tidy business can give you a clear mind. But the reality is, getting everything done before the year ends may not be possible — and that’s okay.
In fact, it’s likely that the pressure to achieve this is coming from you alone. Your clients, audience, and business community aren’t keeping score; it’s only you putting that expectation on yourself. So, let’s try something radical: let that go. Feel the wave of freedom wash over you when you release the idea of perfection and accept that ‘good enough’ is, well, good enough.
If your mind is racing with ideas or loose ends, try jotting them down in a live document or a quick voice note. Getting these thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or your phone) can be a game changer for finding mental clarity. It’s like clearing a misty windscreen so you can finally see the road!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re feeling buried under the weight of year-end tasks, it’s worth considering a little extra help. Even a few hours with a Virtual Assistant (VA) could be transformative in helping you streamline processes, declutter your inbox, or tie up loose ends. The average hourly rate for a VA is around £30, and investing a small amount now could give you a head start in the New Year, allowing you to rest easier knowing things are handled.
Interested? Click here to book a quick call with me, and let’s see if I can help you clear up the back end of your business, giving you the breathing space you need.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
One of the biggest traps small business owners fall into at this time of year is comparison. We scroll through Instagram and see other businesses seemingly wrapping up projects, announcing big wins, or sharing perfectly curated ‘year-in-review’ posts. It’s easy to feel like everyone else has it all together while we’re just trying to stay afloat. But remember, this is just the highlight reel. The reality is, most people are like swans — calm and collected on the surface, but paddling furiously under the water.
Instead of comparing, focus on your own stuff. What’s one thing you can do today to help you move forward? Maybe it’s taking a break, maybe it’s making a plan for the New Year, or maybe it’s simply acknowledging how far you’ve come this year (because you’ve come a long way, trust me!).
Ready to Wrap Up the Year Together?
If you’re feeling the conflict between wanting to relax and the pressure to get everything done, I’d love to help you find a middle ground. I’m offering a 90-minute End of Year Planning Session — a chance for us to work together on clearing up the back end of your business or focusing on your wellbeing and making small, impactful changes for the New Year.
Let’s take an intentional approach to closing out the year so you can enter January feeling clear-headed and ready to go. Whether we dive into a business clean-up or talk about setting boundaries to support your wellbeing, I’m here to guide you.
Book your 90-minute session with me today, and let’s make sure you end the year feeling aligned and at ease.
