by Jessica Bryan

What are you doing to finish the year strong?

That’s the question we posed to the room at last month’s 4th Friday Fun*working, a networking and live podcast event hosted by Trent Denson and myself at the Spread The Positive studio and Cedar Glade Brews in Murfreesboro.

Each month, local professionals, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders gather not just to exchange business cards and give an elevator pitch, but to engage in meaningful, real-world conversations. A recent question was: “What are you doing to finish the year strong and avoid the ‘come January’ mindset?”

You know how it goes. You roll into the new year in a shortbread cookie haze and a coquito buzz, already feeling behind and swearing that this year will be your year. But what if it actually could be? What if the path to a strong start in January begins now?

That question sparked one heck of a conversation, going all the way from small habits to deep mindset shifts, and even to a smoldering metaphor about burning fields (see what I did there?).

Here are a few takeaways that really hit home:

1. One small swap per week adds up.

Kayce Broach of KK Fitness reminded us: instead of feeling like you have to overhaul your life overnight, what if you committed to just one meaningful shift each week? Starting the first week of November, that’s eight small changes by the end of the year and eight more steps closer to the person you want to be.

2. Take your “smoke break,” even if you don’t smoke.

Kayce hit another home run with this one. Whether it’s stretching, walking or blowing bubbles, giving yourself a few minutes to reset matters. Rest isn’t just allowed, it’s required for growth. Your body and brain need a break!

3. You might need help seeing what needs to go.

Sometimes, we can’t see the clutter (mental or otherwise) because we’re too close to it. Local real estate professional Lydia Sims reminded us how powerful it is to get input from someone without emotional attachment to our situation—a coach, a mentor or a friend who tells you the truth in love, even when it’s not what you want to hear.

4. Let the field burn.

This one’s mine. Sometimes we forget there’s purpose in the fire. Farmers burn their fields on purpose, to release nutrients and prepare for the next crop. Maybe you’ve got goals, habits, or roles you’ve outgrown or things that once served you but simply don’t anymore. Sometimes letting go and letting it burn is the wisest strategic move you could make.

5. Plan your rest, and rest your plan.

Rest feels so much better when it’s intentional. It’s hard to relax when your mind is spinning with what you “should” be doing. But if you plan your rest time into your schedule it becomes a tool, not a reward you feel guilty claiming. We’ve all done the “goof off when you’re supposed to be working” thing occasionally, only to later feel guilty and spend relaxing time thinking about work.

6. Ramp it up during the slow season.

Anticipate the seasonal slowdown times of year for your industry, and address those ahead of time. Bruce Reed, of Reed and Associates of Primerica, knowing how he typically sees a decline in new business during the fourth quarter, challenges himself and others to make as many sales calls in Q4 as they do in Q1–Q3 combined. “What if you did in Q4 what you did in the first three quarters combined?” he asks. His goal isn’t just finishing strong, it’s multiplying momentum. And whether your focus is financial or spiritual, that kind of clarity changes the game.

7. Don’t wait until January.

Katie Coleman made a great point with not needing a certain date on a calendar to start new habits. You need a decision. September or April are just as worthy starting lines as Jan. 1. If you want to run faster next year, build your momentum now . . . not when you’re recovering from a New Year’s Eve hangover.

8. Think bigger, plan sooner.

Greg Pihs talked about how he plans his entire year in advance and how firewalking (yes, literal firewalking) taught him that most limitations live in our heads. He reminded us: if everything feels urgent, nothing actually moves forward. Vision needs a calendar.

This is what 4th Friday, and the Connection, are all about: real people, real insights, and conversations that stay with you long after the mics turn off.

Come out and join the conversation and community. The Connection typically meets the third Thursday of each month at Champy’s Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). Its next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.

The next 4th Friday Fun*Working will meet at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at 906 Ridgely Rd. The November conversation topic will be: What are you grateful for?

So now we’re asking you:

What’s one thing you’re doing this fall to finish the year strong?

What are you grateful for?

Send your answers and perspective to thejessicabryan@gmail.com and to contact@boropulse.com.

Let’s go into the new year lit up with purpose together.