profile

Positively_Lisa

The burnout-free approach to year-end productivity.

Published 22 days 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.

$95.00 / month

Accountability Special Package

This special includes a BONUS Clarity Call (valued at $55).
Accountability is essential for progress. Check-ins can help... 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 Let’s be honest: the start of a new year isn’t always the fresh, sparkly reset we’re told it should be. Sometimes it feels loud and rushed before we’ve even found our footing in the first week. We’re surrounded by messages about starting strong, setting big goals, and becoming a “new you”…and instead of feeling inspired, it can feel like pressure. If that sounds familiar, you are absolutely not alone. I’m inviting you to begin the year differently, in a way that prioritizes your...

1 day ago • 2 min read

Reader If you are a busy mom stretched thin or you're close to one (and aren't we all) please read on and be sure to share this... My friend and colleague Dyana Terranova has gathered 27 top experts and influencers to tackle the biggest challenges working moms face, from to-do lists to time management, burnout, and self-care. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed and need support with task management while juggling everything else, you’re not alone and you will want to join us for the Busy Working...

4 days ago • 2 min read

Reader As this year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what 2025 asked of so many of us and on the conversations we had on the Positively Living® Podcast as result. 2025 was a year that required flexibility, resilience, and a lot of effort even when things felt heavy or uncertain. And because of that, it became increasingly clear that traditional productivity advice (do more, push harder, optimize everything) just doesn’t work for real life. Instead of chasing more output, this year kept...

10 days ago • 2 min read