As a mom, military spouse, and veteran, I’ve learned that the last stretch of the year can feel like a mission in itself. Between school schedules, holiday planning, military events, and personal goals, Q4 (October through December) can either run you, or you can run it. The final three months of the year are make or break, not just for your to-do list, but for how you set the tone heading into January.

Here’s how I approach Q4 goal setting in a way that honors family life, military commitments, and personal growth:

• Look Back Before Moving Forward
  • The military teaches us to do an after-action review after every mission, and life is no different. Before I set Q4 goals, I take stock:
    • What were the wins this year? (Maybe you crushed that fitness test, your child adjusted to a new school after PCS, or you stayed consistent with a budget.)
    • What didn’t go as planned? (Maybe you dropped a class, financial issues arose, or deployments shifted your routine.)
  • Looking back isn’t about shame—it’s about lessons learned. Reflection gives you the roadmap to move forward.
• Choose Your Top 3 Goals
  • As a mom and spouse, I know it’s tempting to take on everything, but narrowing down to three impactful goals keeps things realistic.
  • Examples might look like:
    • Career: Finishing a certification or building your resume before the new year.
    • Health: Committing to three workouts per week or prioritizing better sleep.
    • Family: Scheduling intentional family nights despite busy holiday calendars.
  • Three goals might not sound like much, but focus is power.

• Break Them into Weekly Milestones
  • Big goals feel lighter when you break them down. Think of it like prepping for a deployment…you don’t pack the whole house at once, you handle it piece by piece. Use SMART steps and aim for weekly wins. Small progress still moves the mission forward.
• Map Out a Q4 Calendar
  • Life in Q4 is packed with school breaks, holidays, and military events. Mark them down now so you can plan your goals around them instead of fighting the calendar. A little foresight = less stress.
• Stay Accountable
  • Accountability is everything. Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, or an app on your phone, let someone (or something) keep you honest. Even sharing your goals in a group chat can keep you moving when life gets busy.
• Mindset Matters
  • Setbacks happen, for example kids get sick, orders change, and schedules shift, which can be normal in our world. The key is keeping your head in the game and remembering: momentum for January starts right now.

Q4 isn’t about starting over. It’s about finishing strong and setting the tone for the new year.

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