“But John, we don’t even have our pumpkins out yet. Why are you bugging me about the new year already?”
I get it… it’s October, and you’ve got Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and probably a dozen other activities on the horizon. If you’ve got little ones in your life, you’re probably already anticipating the whirlwind of costumes, turkey dinners, and holiday prep that’s about to take over.
But that’s exactly why now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead. Why? Because success is rarely an accident. In fact, it’s often the result of careful, thoughtful planning, which is something that neuroscience can back up.
The Brain Loves a Plan 🧠
Here’s where the science comes in: when we plan ahead, we give our brains a gift. Studies show that planning helps reduce stress, improves decision-making, and even boosts happiness. Without planning, you’re more likely to scramble and feel overwhelmed.
Plus, planning is best done when you have moments to calm your brain and not during the obligatory “forced by year-end” mindset as you remember that you don’t yet have a Holiday gift for your loved one. I wrote about this in my most recent popular book, Build Your Best Brain. In the book, I discuss the science behind giving your brain something to look forward to. When you do your next-year planning now, it gives your brain a neurotransmitter boost of hope and anticipation that helps to carry you through the hectic end-of-the-year season.
So, why not give yourself that sense of calm now? By planning your goals for the upcoming year before the end-of-year chaos sweeps you away, you’ll set yourself up for a more successful 2025. Start January with a calm sense of purpose instead of a frantic scramble.
Plan Now, Relax Later
We all know how it goes… one minute you’re planning a Halloween costume, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in holiday wrapping paper. The holiday season is full of joy, but it’s also busy, especially if you’ve got little ones (or grandkids) keeping you on your toes. And when we’re swept up in the excitement, planning for the future tends to take a backseat. The struggle is real even for me as I too navigate the joy of grandkids in the Holiday season. (This is where I insert a shameless plug of a cute grandchild)
So here’s my advice: carve out some time now to think about what you want to achieve next year. This way, when the turkey is roasting and the presents are being unwrapped, you can relax and enjoy those moments without that nagging feeling that you should be doing something else.
For Professional Speakers/Trainers who want next year to be better than this year: Speech at the Beach 🏖️
Speaking of planning, if you’re a professional speaker, I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you. Our Speech on a Beach Retreat event is coming up at the end of January. It’s the perfect way to kick off your year with focus, energy, and a solid plan. Not only will you soak up some sun (and maybe some margaritas), but you’ll also walk away with a renewed energy and confidence for the start of 2025. At this retreat, we will leverage neuroscience in a way that is guaranteed to improve your ability to captivate and motivate an audience. What if you could engage your audience in such a way that you would leave them clamoring to hear you again?!?
My Holiday gift to you is an almost 40% discount when you register this week!!!
For those of you not attending, or if you are not a trainer or speaker, don’t worry—you can still get a head start. Head over to my website for free resources and courses that will help you map out your leadership journey and plan for success.
Here’s to starting the new year strong, confident, and focused!
John F. Edwards, CSP, CVP is an international speaker and author who leverages humor and neuroscience to help accelerate your success.
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