Well, 2024 is swiftly coming to an end. With this final “Perfecting Your Craft” column for the year, I want to talk about the pressures of the fourth quarter.

No matter if you’re a tech or a sales professional, the fourth quarter is usually hectic. You’re either trying to reach your sales goals or preparing for one of the busiest times of the year as a tech, considering all the holiday and sporting events. I’ve been on both sides and I’m not a fan of either, to be honest. But it comes with the territory. And, over the years, I’ve gotten better at managing my time and my workload in the fourth quarter.

Nothing Left in the Tank

In the past, I would reach burnout, but I’d tell myself it was the fourth quarter, and it was the time to dig deep and make sure I hit goals. I would show up even though I had nothing left in the tank. As time progressed, I realized that couldn’t be the answer. I mean, even if I did manage to somehow push through, I would have nothing left to prep for the exciting ups and downs of the following year.

So, is there a way to balance the fourth quarter? Is there a way to finish strong and prepare for a strong first quarter? I wouldn’t say that I’ve mastered this idea yet; however, I have gotten better each year as I become more intentional. What follows is how I set my intentions in finishing strong while also creating a preparation plan for the first quarter.

Intentional Planning

I start with planning time off. I plan time off just like I plan work events and trips. It doesn’t have to be a big trip or a fancy vacation; it could be a staycation. But plan time for yourself and your self-care. This year, I made sure to plan this out at the end of June. Budget time to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished and what needs to be done in the next part of the year.

This was helpful for me at the halfway mark because I could assess where I stood with my goals and where I needed to be to ensure I could take and make time for myself.

Push Yourself in the Third Quarter

The secret just might be that the third quarter is the real fourth quarter. That is the quarter when you want to make sure you’re well prepared. That is when you make sure you’re digging deep and going above and beyond to hit those goals ahead of time. That way, you’re not placing yourself in as many stressful situations down the road. Replenish at the top of the third quarter with some intentional time off, and then go all out for the rest of the quarter. For me, this was a true game changer. I didn’t end up as stressed out or burned out. I knew exactly what I had to do to ensure a more balanced and sustainable fourth quarter.

Split the Fourth Quarter

Digging deep in the third quarter allows for some breathing room when the fourth quarter comes around. With that breathing room, you can take the top of the quarter to cross the finish line. October and the beginning of November should be the time when you are meeting and completing those goals. That way, come December, you have the flexibility to try to exceed your goals care-free, while also beginning your preparation for the next year. Then, you can recharge with friends and family during the holiday season.

Setting Us Up for Wins

Finding a balance is tricky. As I mentioned, I don’t believe I’ve fully mastered it yet. However, having an intentional fourth quarter sets us up for wins in the following year. Planning for the first quarter before the holidays hit is what sets the tone for the new year. Just imagine if you were extremely clear on everything you wanted and needed before it was time for the new year’s resolutions. Those plans just might stick.

Here’s a toast to an exciting and blessed 2025, #avtweeps. See you on the other side!

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Published on Commercial Integrator