Last month, I shared how ego can sometimes stand in the way of real growth. When we convince ourselves we already “know enough” or assume that what worked yesterday will carry us through tomorrow, we unintentionally block opportunities to move forward. The truth is, growth requires the willingness to reflect honestly, ask hard questions, and prepare for what’s next.

Now that we are in the 4th quarter of the year, the temptation is high to coast toward the finish line. Yes, Q4 is about meeting your 2025 goals—but it’s also about using these last 90 days to prepare for what lies ahead. If you want 2026 to be your best year ever (and who doesn’t?), you cannot wait until January 1 to start planning for growth.

Why plan for next year’s growth now?

It’s easy to maintain the status quo, but achieving growth requires vision, planning, and determination. Investing your time and effort into growth is worthwhile though, because growth is the avenue to building a legacy business.

“Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it’s almost always due to personal growth.” John C. Maxwell

It is always the time to plan for growth, believe it or not. The difference between the companies that survive and thrive and those that do not is in large part their ability to plan strategically and smartly.

The best way to plan for growth is to challenge yourself with some specific questions and honestly answer those questions. To make this more manageable, pick just one topic for growing your business, like how to increase sales. Resist the urge to want to grow in all areas because specificity is key in this planning exercise.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Where is my business now in terms of sales results? (This is your current state.)

• What are my strengths and weaknesses in terms of understanding and improving sales for my business?
• What is common feedback, both positive and negative, that I receive from others regarding my sales performance?
• What other indicators can provide me with data to define the current state of sales performance for my business?

Where would I like my business to be in terms of sales? (This is your desired state.)

• What gross and net amounts do I want to achieve in terms of sales?
• What expansion plans have I always wanted to implement to grow my business?
• What are my short and long term goals to make this happen? 

How do I get there? What is needed?

• What more must I learn to meet my sales goals, and what resources are needed?
• Who will help me meet these goals? Who will hold me accountable?
• When do I need to meet these sales objectives, and how will I plan for working toward them in my daily, weekly, and monthly schedule?

When we have opportunities to grow, the questions we must ask ourselves can be daunting. The honest answers to those questions, however, can reveal a path to the success we have always dreamed of for our entrepreneurial endeavors.

The key is not to wait. If you want to thrive in 2026, the 4th quarter is your springboard. Use this time to evaluate where you are, envision where you want to be, and make a plan for how to get there. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” The businesses and leaders who take that truth to heart are the ones who consistently pull ahead—because they don’t just hope for growth, they plan for it.

I’ve challenged my Celeste Giordano Coaching clients with questions like these, and together, we set both personal and business goals that they meet year in and year out. With clarity, humility, and a strategy that begins today—not in January—you can step confidently into a new year of growth and success.

If you’d like to get access to the strategies that allow you to grow your business, all while creating a lifestyle that allows you to spend time doing the things you love with the people you love most, contact me today!

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus™” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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