I think we can all agree that 2020 has been quite a year, and we are not even halfway over at the time of this writing. As business owners and executives look back to the goals they had for the year when it started, chances are the strategies and projects they planned to execute to hit those goals have changed. Despite these challenges, I don’t know anyone who has thrown in the towel or quit. Most leaders I speak to plan to finish the year strong. So, the strength of will is not in question. What is in question is the how.

Being challenged in life is inevitable; being defeated is optional. – Roger Crawford

Where to start to finish the year strong?

Not all your efforts in planning for the year were in vain. The midpoint of the year is the perfect time to look at the strategies you were going to pursue to grow your business. Which are still relevant? Which can be salvaged, albeit it in a different way from what you may have planned? Which needs to be set aside as they are no longer possible. As difficult as it may be, this is a time to be objective, honest, and willing to make some tough decisions.

The whole key is, to be honest with yourself, find the weak spots, work on it, get it done. – Wladimir Kitschko

Consider your options

Once we have reviewed our strategies, it’s time to begin looking at our options. Maybe it’s not possible to get to 100% of what you hoped to do this year. But what is possible? In your strategy assessment, you looked at what can still work and what needs to be adjusted. Now is the time to look at what new strategies you can pursue to move your revenue toward your planned trajectory. Brainstorm with yourself, with your team, with your coach. See all the options in front of you. And then prioritize. How much work will each strategy take? How much revenue will each generate? How much will each cost to implement? Rack and stack your options on these criteria. Decide how many you can accomplish and how soon. Then start work.

An option hides where we don’t want it to hide. – Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Finish the year strong

You have done the work, and now you have the plan. Where do you go from here? First, get the right people from your team in the room and review the plan with them. Ask them to review, check your logic, and challenge your assumptions. Make any adjustments needed and put the finishing touches on the project. With that work done, assemble the whole team. Share the plan with them in detail. Communicate the positives and risks. Most importantly, ensure everyone on your team understands the plan and their role in it.

Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic – Robin Sharma

The final step is to meet regularly and check progress against critical milestones for each project.

This is essential work. You have invested so much in getting your company to this point. The current challenge is significant. Yet with an honest assessment, brainstorming, and focus, you can bend the curve back up and finish the year strong.

Do you have any questions? At Clear Path Coaching and Consulting, we have two opportunities for you to give feedback and get input.

1. You can join the Business Plans That Work Group and join fellow business leaders in a variety of discussions on business plans and leadership.
2. Register for Thursday After Work, our weekly free training webinar.