The now

1. Start by assessing your current situation – both personally and professionally.
2. What do you love about the way you manage the everyday?
3. What do you find hard or struggle with?
4. In your business, where do you see the opportunity and where are the blockages?

Key things to think about include team dynamics, process efficiency, technology and premises. Then I’ll support this qualitative information with quantitative data and insights from financial reporting. It’s a great way to set the scene around where you are to figure out the best things to tackle in the year ahead.

The where

This is your chance to dream big. Picture where you want to be in three years – not just professionally but personally too. Consider what success looks like for you.

1. What is the vision you have for your business? Growing your team, expanding operations or shifting to a more autonomous business model.
2. What personal milestones do you hope to achieve? More time for family, hobbies, or travel.
3. What is the one thing you want to start doing in the new year?
4. What would you stop doing if you could?

The how

Finally, focus on the steps that will take you from the now to the where – this is the how. It’s the plan you create to make things happen!

1. What’s preventing you from reaching your goals and how are you going to remove this barrier?
2. What tasks can be handed off or streamlined to free up your time to make your business led dependent on you? Who will you delegate to and what training needs to happen to allow this?
3. How are you going to engage your team to align with the goals you identified in the where?

• What resources or expertise will you need to achieve your goals?
• How can you integrate your personal and business aspirations to ensure they are aligned?

The Christmas break offers a rare moment to step back, think deeply, and realign your priorities. By reflecting on the now, the where, and the how, you can create a roadmap for success that integrates your personal and professional life.

Remember, success doesn’t just happen – it’s planned. Use this downtime to strategise and let us help you turn those plans into reality.

Wishing you a creative holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

About the author: Elena’s approach is built on deep understanding, partnership, and accountability. By combining her technical expertise with a genuine commitment to her clients’ goals, she supports their journey towards business sustainment and growth with confidence and clarity. She’s more than just an accountant – to use the cliché, she’s a trusted partner in her clients’ success.