By Arnon Barnes , on the small wins to daring actions we can take to make our business better
Summer may still be lingering in your mind, but the final stretch of the year is the perfect moment to shake things up and bring bold, courageous energy into your business. Whether you had a smooth year, a challenging one, or something in between, now is your window to finish the year strong, not just by hitting your goals, but by exceeding them.
To do that, it helps to shift your perspective. Instead of obsessing over fixed outcomes, focus on the journey, the people, and the daily actions that create momentum. Incredible results are rarely the outcome of one big breakthrough. They’re built by committed people showing up consistently, innovating, improving and refusing to quit.
Below are four powerful pillars you can use to elevate your business and end the year on a high.
- Points of Innovation
Most entrepreneurs think innovation requires huge budgets, long timelines or complicated execution. But small innovations, the ones you can implement quickly, often create the biggest spark.
Gather your team and brainstorm three small improvements you can roll out before the end of the year. Think:
- A simple new feature that customers will love
- A fresh twist on your promotions
- A small upgrade to your product or onboarding
- A fun, energising approach to sales
New things bring excitement. Excitement brings energy. And energy fuels results.
I often see entrepreneurs chasing massive goals while overlooking easy wins right in front of them. Keeping your mind open to small innovations refreshes your spirit, motivates your team and keeps the business feeling alive.
- Points of Improvement
Once innovation gets you moving forward, improvement keeps you moving smarter.
Look at your current processes and ask:
What can I improve today and implement within a week?
Most improvements are about simplification, not complexity:
- Streamlining production
- Reducing paperwork
- Refreshing your online presence
- Adding automation to reduce repetitive work
- Asking customers for feedback
- Reorganising internal workflows
Anything that makes your team’s life easier will automatically make your customers’ experience better.
We tend to stay stuck in old systems simply because they feel familiar. But small adjustments stacked over time create enormous progress. Improvement is the discipline that gets you closer to operational excellence.
- Points of Encouragement
This part is personal, and powerful.
Encouragement is one of the most underrated leadership tools. It builds trust, strengthens culture and fuels motivation more than any KPI or strategy.
Focus your encouragement in two directions:
Internally
- Tell your team you see their work and appreciate their efforts
- Reach out one-on-one to ask for ideas
- Celebrate wins, even small ones
- Bring warmth, humanity and presence into your leadership
Externally
- Send a thank-you message to a loyal customer
- Acknowledge a supplier who has gone the extra mile
- Invite a supportive partner or friend for coffee or lunch
And don’t forget yourself.
List your own wins, the fires you’ve put out, the challenges you’ve handled, the deals you’ve made happen. Entrepreneurs tend to underestimate their own resilience. Celebrate the fact that you’re still here, still pushing, still building.
Being an entrepreneur is not a walk in the park , we both know that. But you are more capable than you think, and you’ve already proven it many times this year.
- Points of Daring Action
Now comes the part most entrepreneurs struggle with: action.
Not planning.
Not thinking.
Doing.
I’ve seen thousands of entrepreneurs who know exactly what they should do… but don’t take action because fear gets in the way, fear of failure, fear of conflict, fear of mistakes.
Let me be blunt:
The shitstorm is part of the journey. Expect it.
You will face obstacles. People will disappoint you. Cashflow will fluctuate. Team members may leave. Customers will complain. It’s not a sign to stop , it’s a sign you’re in business.
Daring action is not aggression or recklessness. It is resilience. It is staying true to your goals even when it feels uncomfortable. It is using your strengths boldly, consistently and without apology.
And if something backfires?
Great.
You’ve discovered one way that doesn’t work, now try another.
Daring action is the engine of growth.
Your Strategy to Finish the Year Strong
Bring it all together:
- Innovation fuels opportunity
- Improvement fuels efficiency
- Encouragement fuels people
- Daring action fuels results
Use these pillars daily, and you will finish the year strong, proud, and prepared for an even bigger 2026.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and want direct coaching and guidance, reach out via info@arnonbarnes.com or visit www.arnonbarnes.com/coaching.
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