Great question for this time of year!

As the year winds down, it can feel like there are a million things left to do: goals you set at the beginning of the year that you’re trying to squeeze in, projects you started that you need to wrap up, and new targets you want to hit before February.

And in today’s productivity-obsessed culture, it can feel like you’re expected to push nonstop to get it all done.

I think we can all agree that’s not a good strategy.

While it might work for a little while, over time it can burn you out. And on top of that, you leave little space for the goals unrelated to work: spending time with family, supporting your community, practising your spirituality, committing to more play…

You get the idea.

So, let’s make this real. Here are 4 practical tips to help you slow down without losing momentum.

Research shows that setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks helps you spend your time where it counts most. Start your day by identifying the one thing that would make the biggest impact if completed, and protect time for it. If you want help determining your priorities, read this newsletter I wrote about that back in March.

Switching tasks isn’t efficient. Studies show that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%, because our brains just aren’t built for it. Instead, focus on one thing at a time, as I wrote about back in June.

Perfect is the enemy of done. We beat ourselves up, hold onto projects too long, and put ourselves through so much pain trying to get everything perfect—but it’s not even possible. I recommend the 70% rule: get your project to 70%, then call it done. As I wrote about back in February, there’s always more you can do, but obsessing over that last 30% will hold you back… and probably burn you out.

You don’t have to do it all on your own. I know that can be hard for a lot of people to accept—especially those of us who’ve spent most of our lives taking care of others, or taking care of ourselves with very little help. There are companies out there who can help entrepreneurs and business owners delegate better, like this week’s partner, Upwork. But, if hired help isn’t what you’re looking for, the key is to be more intentional with your time, as I wrote about earlier this month.

I hope this helps!

Throughout the year, we partner with brands that support intentional living and personal growth. As we step into the New Year, we’re highlighting a few favorites that align with fresh starts, meaningful habits, and the intentions we carry forward.

Upwork Business Plus gives you instant access to elite freelancers and AI-powered recruiting that finds exactly who you need in minutes. Need fresh creative, a product push, or operational backup before January hits? Plug in top talent fast and keep everything on schedule.

No long hiring cycles. No overhead. Just experts ready to jump in and deliver.

Spend $1,000 and get $500 back in Upwork credit—but only until December 31, 2025.

In the midst of trying to get everything done, it’s easy to forget the most important thing: your health.

Try This: What’s one thing you can do to protect your health this week? Maybe it’s a walk outdoors. A low-key catch-up with one close friend and a great conversation. Or a fresh, healthy meal you cook for yourself—intentionally and mindfully.

Take out your calendar right now and schedule it. Protect that time. Your health matters most.

You’ve only got so many days left this year—don’t waste them hunting for help. Upwork Business Plus brings you pre-vetted freelancers and AI-matched talent in minutes so you can keep projects moving without the hiring slowdown. Fast hires. Flexible terms. Zero stress.

Spend $1,000 and get $500 back in Upwork credit before December 31, 2025.