how in the heck is it Q4 already?!

Somehow, it’s already October. Literally how? It seems like just yesterday I was sweating my butt off in Austin, TX… and that was for my friend’s bachelorette party in May. Now, I’m still sweating my butt off, but mostly because I’m frequently running from one academic building to the other.

Anywho… it’s true: the last three months of the year are here. And while that might feel a little overwhelming, it’s also the perfect chance to reset, refocus, and finish 2025 strong.

Q4 is fast-paced: year-end quotas or deadlines, recruiting in full swing, holidays, social events… it’s easy to blink and suddenly it’s New Year’s Eve. The good news? With a little intention, you can make these next three months both productive and incredibly fun. Here’s how:

1. reset + reflect

Before charging ahead, take five minutes to look back at Q3. Grab a notebook or your Notes app and write down:

• One win you’re proud of
• One thing you’d like to improve
• One habit or practice you want to carry forward

I’ll share my own reflections…

• win: I’m proud of myself for being accepted into Tsai CITY’s Accelerator. More than the funding and connections, acceptance into this program is validation that I’m making progress with Tennie
• improvement: I was so great about having a morning routine last semester and have not been good about it since being back in New Haven. I want to use the first hour of my day to journal, read something, etc. so I can start the day on the right foot
• habit to carry forward: I want to continue to schedule workouts on my planner and prioritize working out as much as I would any other item on my to-do list. When I have a busy week, the first thing I tend to cut is my workout because it’s just easiest. Last week, though, I decided to miss a meeting in lieu of my OrangeTheory class… and I have zero regrets. I deserve to prioritize my own health over non-essential meetings. I need more of that mindset in Q4!

I know I tell you to write stuff down a lot in this Substack, but it’s because I truly think it’s so useful and important to check in with yourself. The first day of the month - and the quarter - is the perfect time to take a few minutes to align with your own wants and needs.

2. prioritize ruthlessly

The truth is, you can’t do everything in Q4, and you don’t need to. Pick three key priorities for the next three months: maybe it’s nailing recruiting, building a consistent workout routine, or spending more time with your closest people.

If you’re a people pleaser like me, this may sound hard. What if you committed to something already and now want to de-commit? You don’t want to let people down, but here’s the thing: you are not responsible for other people. A moment of awkwardness beats months of stress. I am here to give you permission to do what’s best for you.

Here, let me go first:

• priority #1: tennie obvi!
• priority #2: create and stick to a manageable routine that allows time for rest and recovery
• priority #3: make the most of your 2nd-to-last semester of MBA. learn a lot, enjoy time with friends, and romanticize New England Fall

Already, this list is giving me a better sense of how to move this semester - and what to avoid. Fewer, clearer priorities = less stress and more focus.

3. build in joy

Yes, Q4 is about goals, but it’s also about celebration and connection. Think of everything in store for you:

Crisp Fall air. Leaves crunching on the sidewalk. PSLs (!!) and apple cider doughnuts. Cozy candles. Football games. Wine nights. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Holiday Szn. Birthdays. THE premier time of year for fashion in my opinion: sweaters, velvet, suede, rich colors, cute layers.

The semester, the season, and the year itself will feel more balanced if you make space for fun. Pencil in at least one “just-for-you” activity each week: coffee with a friend, a nice walk in the park, a night in with a good thriller.

Q4 isn’t about cramming everything in, or at least it shouldn’t be. If we focus on what matters most, we can end the year feeling proud and content, not drained. You’ve got three months left. Plenty of time to realign, reset, and go after the things that matter most to you.