5 Things Working Mums Should Do in Q4 to End the Year on a High

As we head into the final months of the year, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and overwhelm. For busy working mums, the approach of year-end can feel like a race against time—juggling work commitments, family needs, and personal goals. But there’s still plenty of time to finish the year on a high and step into the new year with confidence and clarity.

If you’re ready to make the most of the last few months, here are five things you can start doing today to take control, stay balanced, and end 2024 on a positive note.

1. Reflect & Reset

Look back to move forward.

The first step to ending the year strong is to take a moment to reflect on the months that have passed. What have you achieved? What challenges did you overcome? What lessons have you learned?

Reflection is key to understanding where you are now and what direction you want to take next. It also allows you to give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made—something many working mums tend to overlook.

Action Step: Take 10 minutes to journal about your wins and challenges from the year so far. Identify the top three priorities you want to focus on for the rest of the year. This will help you reset your focus and move forward with purpose.

2. Set Boundaries & Prioritise Self-Care

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

As mums, we often feel the pressure to put everyone else first. But to show up as your best self for your family, your career, and your own well-being, it’s essential to prioritise self-care.

Setting firm boundaries around your time and energy is the key to making sure you don’t burn out. By making self-care non-negotiable, you’re not only recharging yourself but also setting a powerful example for your children about the importance of looking after one’s health and happiness.

Action Step: Block out at least 30 minutes a day for yourself, whether it’s a morning walk, reading a book, or simply taking time to unwind without distractions.

3. Streamline & Delegate

You don’t have to do it all.

One of the biggest challenges working mums face is the feeling that they need to be superwoman—handling every task at work, running the household, and managing family life. But the truth is, you don’t have to do it all.

Now is the perfect time to assess where you can delegate or streamline tasks in both your professional and personal life. By lightening the load, you’ll reduce stress and create more space for the things that truly matter.

Action Step: This week, pick three tasks you can delegate or outsource—whether that’s handing off household chores, automating bills, or asking for more support at work. Streamlining routines, like meal prep or daily to-do lists, can also save time and energy.

4. Set Intentional Goals

Finish the year with purpose.

While it’s tempting to tackle a long list of goals, the key to finishing the year on a high is to focus on what truly matters. Instead of setting too many objectives, narrow it down to one or two meaningful goals that align with your vision for both your career and your personal life.

These goals don’t need to be big or overwhelming. The important thing is that they’re intentional and purposeful, helping you move in the direction you want to go.

Action Step: Write down one personal and one professional goal that you want to achieve by the end of the year. Then break each goal down into smaller, manageable steps that you can work on weekly. This will keep you focused and give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.

5. Practice Gratitude & Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate progress, not perfection.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to focus on what’s not going well and overlook all the things you’re achieving. As working mums, we often don’t give ourselves enough credit for everything we do.

By practicing gratitude and celebrating your small wins, you can shift your mindset from stress and overwhelm to one of positivity and progress. A gratitude practice doesn’t take much time but can have a big impact on your mood, motivation, and overall well-being.

Action Step: Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for or proud of. This small habit can help you close the day on a positive note and keep you motivated through the ups and downs of life.

The last few months of the year can be a powerful time for reflection, growth, and taking intentional steps forward. By following these five strategies—reflecting on your progress, prioritising self-care, streamlining tasks, setting intentional goals, and practicing gratitude—you’ll end the year feeling more balanced, accomplished, and ready to embrace whatever 2025 has in store.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress. Take it one day at a time, and trust that the small actions you take today will help you finish the year strong.