I see it each November: that feeling of pressure.
Wanting things to be different.
You know what I mean. That realization that another year is coming to a close and you’re not sure you’re ready (or you’re certain you’re not).
I had that feeling the other day.
Maybe it’s the darkness that comes with the time change or the warm weather we’re still having here in Texas.
But I started to feel the pressure to do it all. To meet every goal I’d fallen behind on.
And then it started. I could feel myself dealing with it the only way I know how.
I got quiet.
Not the peaceful, candle-lit, journaling kind of quiet.
The avoidance kind.
You know, the “I’ll just scroll a little” kind of quiet. The “maybe I’ll reorganize the spice cabinet” kind.
My Enneagram Type 9 was in full swing.
When things feel too big, I tell myself I’ll get to it later. Then somehow I’m deep in a new playlist instead of opening my planner.
It’s funny how our Enneagram type sneaks in the moment pressure builds.
We think we’re managing it.
Really, we’re just reacting on autopilot.
Here’s how each type tends to handle end-of-year stress:
1 – Principle Reformer
Gets rigid and self-critical, convinced they’ve fallen behind.
2 – Nurturing Supporter
Starts doing everything for everyone else and forgets themselves.
3 – Admirable Achiever
Doubles down, adds more to the list, and calls it motivation.
4 – Introspective Individualist
Retreats and wonders if anyone else feels this lost.
5 – Analytical Investigator
Disappears into research mode and calls it preparation.
6 – Loyal Guardian
Questions everything and needs a little reassurance to move forward.
7 – Enthusiastic Optimist
Avoids stress by creating a dozen new fun plans.
8 – Passionate Protector
Takes control of all the things to feel safe.
9 – Peaceful Mediator
Slows down too much, convinces themselves it’s fine, and checks out.
Knowing your pattern isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness. Once you can name it, you can shift it.
💭 Note to Self: What I’m Learning
During our virtual meet-up this week, I noticed the same expression on so many faces, that mix of frustration and disbelief that shows up when you realize you had big goals back in January, and now there are only eight weeks left in the year.
As we talked, I could tell it wasn’t just me. Everyone was feeling it in some way. That quiet pressure to finish strong, to catch up, to make it all count.
It reminded me how easy it is to carry that weight alone, and how much lighter it feels when we name it together.
So I wanted to share what helped us shift the conversation that night. We asked three simple questions to reset our focus:
- What still matters most right now?
- What can I release or move to next year?
- How do I want to feel when the year ends?
Those questions changed the energy immediately. You could almost feel everyone exhale.
Sometimes clarity starts when we stop trying to do everything at once.
🔧 Try This:
Before you plan your next eight weeks, take fifteen minutes to write down your current goals, projects, and “shoulds.”
Then narrow them down.
- Pick one to two goals you can realistically finish.
- Choose the projects to move forward, even a little.
- List one habit that keeps you grounded.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to decide what matters most right now.
That’s what it means to finish strong, not by pushing harder, but by focusing on what counts.
You can find the holidays you want.
Cheering you on,
Terrie
PS.
If You Don’t Want to Do It Alone
If this season feels heavy or uncertain, you don’t have to sort it out by yourself. That’s what my 1:1 coaching is for.
We’ll sit down together, clear the noise, and build a plan that fits your season and your personality.
You can schedule a free discovery call here →
