16. Winding Down, Speeding Up

Welcome to the final Get Your Shift Together episode of the year. This is a short and sweet wrap-up to acknowledge the reality of this strange and busy season for business owners.

From the outside, it looks like your business is gently closing for a peaceful break. But behind the scenes, you’re sprinting to the finish line, working extra hours just to earn that time off. You're not alone in this feeling—it's that odd moment where the business is winding down, but the business owner is speeding up.

In this reflective episode, I look back at a year of both pressure and progress for so many business owners I've worked with. We'll touch on the common struggles, from cash flow surprises to the limits of DIY finances, and celebrate the most important shift of all: moving from being reactive to being intentional. I'll also share my biggest highlight of the year—creating this podcast for you—and set an intention for what's to come next year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why the "quiet" week before the holidays is often the most chaotic for a business owner.
2. A look back at the common challenges of the year, including cash flow pressure and the push towards better systems.
3. The single most powerful shift a business can make (from reactive to intentional).
4. My personal reflections on the year and the journey of starting this podcast.
5. The crucial difference between motivation (which fades) and intention (which creates real, lasting change).
6. What to expect from the podcast next year, including more practical tools and honest conversations.

Key Takeaways:

The Biggest Win is Becoming Intentional: Progress isn't just about growth; it's about shifting from reacting to daily chaos to leading with clear, intentional decisions.

Intention is More Powerful Than Motivation: Motivation is an emotion that comes and goes. Intention is a quiet, firm decision about how you want to lead and what you will no longer tolerate, backed up by small, consistent actions.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Share Your Feedback: What topics do you want covered next year? I'd love to hear from you. Send me a DM on LinkedIn

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Here's what you'll receive when you work with Nicola J. Barnett to get your business on track.

• A Proven Framework: Use the Efficiency & Profit Framework to end overwhelm, get cash flowing, maximize profits, and build a business that won't break you.
• Clarity and Control: The first step is a "Financial Awareness Review," where Nicola will dig through 12 months of your financials to give you the truth about your business and create a 90-day roadmap.
• Hands-On Implementation and Transformation: In "The Business Fix" program, you'll get structured action and accountability to turn awareness into fast results. This will help you fix cash flow leaks, improve profits, and implement smooth systems.
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Learn More about the Profit & Efficiency Frame work & For a deeper dive into this topic and more, visit our website: p...