Finish Strong: How to Win the Last Quarter of the Year

James Smith, Executive Director

If you’ve ever played or followed sports, you know this feeling: It’s the fourth quarter. The crowd’s loud, the clock is ticking, and the game’s on the line. And the ball is in your hands.

That’s exactly where we are right now in the year. The first three quarters—January through September—are behind us. Some plays worked perfectly, some didn’t, and maybe a few got intercepted along the way. But this? This is when great teams — and great leaders — show what they’re made of.

As we head into the final stretch of 2025, it’s time to ask yourself: How do you want to finish?

Because whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to get your personal goals across the line, the last quarter is where champions are made.

1. Play Like the Game Is on the Line

Even if you’re ahead, you can’t coast now. Championship teams don’t spend the last few minutes staring at the scoreboard—they stay focused until the buzzer sounds.

If you’ve had a good year, finish it great. If you’ve struggled, don’t quit—there’s still time for a comeback.

Momentum is powerful. The energy and discipline you build now carry straight into 2026.

2. Run the Right Plays: Focus on What Matters Most

When time is short, every play counts. You can’t afford to waste energy on low-impact tasks.

Take a look at your goals from earlier this year:

• What’s left unfinished that would make you proud to complete?

• What’s still possible if you give it your best shot?

• What can you let go of to make room for what matters most?

The key to finishing strong isn’t doing everything — it’s doing the right things.

3. Build Momentum for the Next Season

Even as you’re closing out this year, think like a coach preparing for the next one.Set the stage for 2026 by:

• Laying out your big goals now (don’t wait for January).

• Identifying the “players” — people, systems, or habits — that will help you win next year.

• Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t.

The best teams don’t start from zero each season—they build on what they’ve learned.

4. Celebrate the Wins Along the Way

Every touchdown, every solid play, every smart move matters. Don’t wait for December 31st to celebrate progress.

At the Chamber, we love this time of year because it’s when we can look back at what’s been accomplished — membership growth, successful events, stronger partnerships — and start dreaming even bigger for the year ahead.

When you take time to celebrate, it builds energy and gratitude—and that fuels the next goal.

5. Leave It All on the Field

You’ve worked hard all year. Don’t end the game wondering what could have been if you’d given just a little more effort, focus, or belief.

This is your chance to push.

To finish the project.

To hit the target.

To set yourself up for a winning 2026.

So, here’s the question: If the ball’s in your hands (which it is) and the game’s on the line (it is)… how do you want to finish?

The clock’s ticking. Let’s make this quarter count.