Slow Down to Grow: The Ultimate Badass Move

Trying to plan for next year but just don’t have time?

There’s a common narrative in today’s fast-paced work culture: keep your head down, grind it out, and you’ll accomplish great things. While there’s truth to that, it’s not the whole truth.

Accomplishing task after task is one thing, but are you really growing? Are you leveling up? Or are you just treading water, doing the same thing over and over?

Here’s a secret: to truly grow, sometimes you’ve got to slow down.

Slowing down doesn’t mean halting productivity. It means making space to reflect, strategize, and elevate your game. Taking that pause can be the most productive thing you do all year. Here are 3 ways you can slow down to gear up.

Stop Rushing, Start Creating Space

Slowing down isn’t just good for you; it’s crucial for your team. When we’re constantly rushing, we often overlook the people who support us along the way. The drive to check off tasks can cause us to miss the opportunity to recognize the efforts that make everything possible.

By slowing down, you can create the space to acknowledge and appreciate your team. A simple thank you, public recognition, or even nominating them for awards can make a huge impact.

This kind of appreciation creates trust, loyalty, and motivation. When your team feels seen and valued, they’re more likely to bring renewed energy and creativity to their work. A culture of recognition boosts morale and builds a stronger, more connected team that’s ready to tackle challenges together.

Plan Ahead to Avoid the End-of-Year Burnout

As the end of the year approaches, there’s this mad rush to get everything done before December 31st. But ask yourself: Is this urgency real? Or are you chasing a self-imposed goal?

The reality is, not everything needs to be done before the year ends. Some things can be deferred. And if they can be, push them to January. Why? So you can enjoy the holidays, spend time with family, and enter the new year with energy—not burnout.

If something must be done before the year’s end, get smart about it. Can you restructure your days to find some balance? Can you work earlier in the day to carve out evenings for your family?

Being flexible with your team during the holidays is equally important. Allowing them to adjust their schedules, take time off, or work remotely can drastically reduce stress and prevent burnout. The end of the year should be about winding down and reflecting, not scrambling to meet arbitrary deadlines.

When you allow your team to prioritize their well-being, they’ll return in January refreshed, motivated, and ready to hit the ground running. Flexibility creates a healthier work environment and ensures everyone enters the new year with a clear mind and a positive outlook.

Don’t let the calendar drive you into a frenzy. You control your schedule, so make it work for you!

Gear Up for Next Year… NOW

If you want to crush 2025, the time to start thinking about it is now (in October - November).

You can ask things like:

What worked this year?
What didn’t?
Where did most of your wins come from?
And what’s that one big thing you want to tackle next year?

For me, it’s writing and publishing my book. (Eeek!) ! This is going to be a huge project, that will require time, effort, and a lot of planning. But I know that once I’ve got that plan in place, I’ll be unstoppable.

(PS If you would like to preview my book, you can read the first few chapters here!)

So, what’s your big project? Identify it, map it out, and start strategizing. Take the lessons from this year and apply them to your future. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing better.

The Badass Move? Slow Down and Reflect.

If you’ve been sprinting all year, this is your sign to hit the brakes. Not because you’re giving up on progress, but because you’re gearing up for bigger, better things. Slowing down isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. It’s the smart way to level up, both personally and professionally.

As we head into November, don’t wait until December to reflect and plan. Start now. Give yourself the time and space to celebrate, learn, and grow. Because when you slow down, you set yourself up to speed ahead—stronger, smarter, and more unstoppable than ever.

This is your moment to grow. Slow down and own it.

If this blog inspired you, imagine hearing about topics like this and more on a big stage! If you’re looking to book a speaker for your next event, reach out!