profile

Positively_Lisa

The burnout-free approach to year-end productivity.

Published about 11 hours ago • 2 min read

Reader

Every December seems to come with the same message: Push harder. Finish strong. Get it all done before the year ends.

But if you’re feeling stretched thin right now between projects, deadlines, holiday logistics, and the mental load of “wrapping up” the year, you're in good company. This season is a challenge for all of us, but how we approach it can make or break it. But here's the thing:

Finishing strong shouldn’t mean finishing exhausted.

In fact, research shows the opposite. Productivity expert Chris Bailey found that after several weeks of 60-hour workweeks, total output matched what workers produced in 40-hour weeks.

More hours didn’t lead to more results; they only led to more burnout.

So if the year-end push feels unsustainable, it’s because…it is. If you want to finish the year without burning out, consider these tips:

1️⃣ Reduce capacity where possible

Not everything needs to happen before December 31st. Ask yourself:

  • What can wait until January?
  • What can be simplified or done “good enough”?
  • What can be shared or released?

Sometimes the fastest way to check something off your list is to remove it.

2️⃣ Try intentional sprinting—not hustling

A sprint is a short burst of focused energy with recovery built in. Hustle is a long-term push with no rest in sight.

A sprint might look like:

  • 30 minutes of deep work
  • One priority task completed fully
  • A half day of focus broken up with real breaks

The key is choosing one priority and honoring the recovery afterward.

3️⃣ Before you say yes to more, pause and ask:

  • Does this truly need to happen before year-end?
  • Who am I doing this for—my values or someone else’s expectations?
  • What would finishing gently look like instead of finishing frantically?

​

The bottom line: Doing less with intention often leads to better results than doing everything in a rush. Finishing gently is still finishing.

If you want to explore this more deeply, this week’s podcast episode digs into how to finish the year burnout-free. It includes research insights, real-life examples, and a simple two-part strategy you can start today.

>> Listen to the podcast here​
>> Read the blog post here​

​

Your future self—especially your January self—will thank you for honoring your energy now.
♥

Lisa

**HOLIDAY Accountability Special ENDS TODAY**

Today's the deadline for this HALF OFF special with BONUS. Lock in the deal this month and we can get started in the new year.

$45.00 / month

Accountability Special Package

This special package rate of $45 is HALF OFF the normal rate of $95 if you sign up by 12/19/25 and includes a BONUS... Read more
​

​

County Route 10, Bath, NY 14810
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Positively_Lisa

Productivity Coach + Podcast Host | Shame-free, Sustainable Solutions

Check out the resources I offer below and request my Toolkit to reduce overwhelm, boost energy, and align your actions with your values!

Read more from Positively_Lisa

Reader This is your friendly “final week” reminder about the Holiday Accountability Special. The deadline is approaching! If you’ve been meaning to get support, but you’re also the kind of person who’s too overwhelmed to schedule more help…this offer was made for you. Because accountability should make your life easier, not heavier. Why accountability works (especially when life is a lot) Most of us don’t struggle because we don’t care. We struggle because we’re carrying too much, juggling...

4 days ago • 2 min read

Reader Have you ever noticed how rushing makes everything harder? The more overwhelmed you feel, the faster you try to move; but somehow you end up making mistakes, forgetting things, or feeling even more behind. It’s not because you’re disorganized or “bad at productivity.” It’s because your brain literally can’t function at full capacity in a stressed, hurried state. And here’s the part we’re never taught: Slowing down is often the thing that helps you go faster. We resist it because hustle...

7 days ago • 1 min read

Reader Are you ending your workdays feeling drained despite what you accomplish...somehow feeling like you're still not doing enough? I recently coached Naomi Lerman, a trauma-informed mindset coach and a high-achieving mom, and she hit on a truth I see often with clients: we may seem successful outwardly, but if our schedule is fueling a feeling of internal failure, we are sabotaging ourselves and headed toward burnout. Naomi, like so many I know, had too much to do and too little time,...

14 days ago • 2 min read