Wrapping Things Up: Coaching Steps to Closing Out the Year

December 1, 2025
It’s December, and I thought I'd use this installment to explore wrapping things up for 2025, before the year-end festive frenzy sets in. By wrapping things up, I mean becoming aware of how the year has gone, closing some last loops, and doing what you can to finish strong. As a coach, I can't resist—I know that beginnings and endings can be great motivators. And yes, I have a process for this! 

Some Context: An Annual Ritual

The process below is for everyone. But first—a little background. 

Every January, I offer a stand-alone 90-minute group coaching program, Harvesting & Planting. Participants prep by working with simple, evidence based prompts grounded in appreciative inquiry. Then, we come together in a facilitated format to name progress, grow, and clarify our intentions for the coming year. This December post stems from my hope to bring this year's growth full circle, whether or not you were part of our January program. And your invite to join us next year is here! 

Now, let’s close out 2025! 

Finish Strong: A Five Step Process

So what does it look like to finish strong? From a coaching perspective, it's about awareness, celebrating success, and opening to what's next. If you were part of the 2025 H&P process, pull your notes out! If not, reference photos, January to-do lists, and any resolutions you made. Put the kettle on and hit pause for twenty minutes. 

Step One: Remember
Where were you at the beginning of the year? What hopes and plans did you have for 2025? Jot them down.
Step Two: Name Progress
How did it go? Note concrete steps and effort. We are leveraging a theory here that witnessing our own actions shapes our opinions of who we are. So naming and claiming progress, even small progress, matters. Give yourself some credit. If you accomplished less than hoped, notice that too, without judgment. 
 Step Three: Acknowledge & Assess Setbacks
Maybe with some goals you barely gained ground, or even slid backward. What got in the way? Competing priorities? Major events? On the other hand, what kept it from being even worse? In coaching we take time to understand what really happened so we can shift course. Be honest without beating yourself up.
 Step Four: What do you want to do next? 
Leverage the milestone of year end. Given the time we have left in 2025, what feels doable? What loop can you close, or small step can you take that will nudge you a tad closer to your goals, or simply set you up to begin again?
 Step Five: Jump into this year’s Harvesting & Planting! 
Join me and a group of supportive peers to make 2026 the best it can possibly be! Commit to one 90-minute standalone session in January, with the option to extend. Info & Register here. 

And of course, reach out if you want to explore how to leverage the science of positive psychology to increase your wellbeing and to create positive change in partnership with me. Book a free 30-minute exploratory call here.
 
With best & warmest regards,
 
Jennifer ❄️