314: Closing the Year with Intention: Let It Be Enough

As the year winds down, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of unfinished tasks, ambitious to-do lists, and the desire to end on a high note. In Episode 314 of the Her Empire Builder Show, host Tina Tower delivers a beautifully grounding message: close the year with intention, and let it be enough.

Here are some of the most impactful takeaways from this special episode:

Reflect, Don’t Just Review

Tina Tower stresses the difference between a simple year-end review and true reflection. While reviewing might focus on numbers and goals, reflecting means looking deeply at how you’ve grown, what you’ve let go of, and the memorable moments—your “greatest hits”—of the year. Ask yourself:

• How did I grow as a person?

• What beliefs did I shed, and what new ones emerged?

• Which actions or habits brought me the most joy?

Reflection isn’t just a luxury; it’s a source of wisdom and clarity for your next chapter.

Pause Before Planning

There’s a rush at year’s end to start mapping out the next one. Tina Tower encourages us to pause before planning—to honor your achievements, integrate your lessons, and allow your nervous system to reset. Wisdom comes from having the patience to reflect, not just leaping into what's next. When you start next year’s planning from a place of restoration and alignment, your goals are more likely to resonate with your true desires.

Rest Is Productive

For entrepreneurs, rest can feel counterintuitive—but Tina Tower insists it’s a radical act of self-leadership. Resting is not laziness; it’s an essential way to allow creativity to flourish and to ensure you enter the new year with a “full cup.” Take the opportunity during quiet times—like the holiday break—to step back, switch off, and give yourself space to dream and heal.

Celebrate Yourself

Without an office Christmas party or a formal celebration, it’s easy for solo business owners to overlook their own efforts. Tina Tower reminds listeners: celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. High-five yourself. Reflect on everything you’ve achieved, and honor your journey—because you’re the one who knows exactly what it took to get here.

Let It Be Enough

Perhaps the most freeing lesson: you’ve done enough. It’s okay if you didn’t hit every goal, or if your growth wasn’t a perfect upward climb. Business (and life) comes with ebbs and flows. Don’t measure yourself against arbitrary timelines or imagined competitors. You’re only in competition with yourself—and sometimes, honoring where you’re at and choosing peace is the best thing you can do.

End with Ritual

To truly close the year, Tina Tower recommends adopting a closing ritual—write thank you letters (even to yourself), create a photo collage, clear your workspace, or light a candle. Finish your year with intention, gratitude, and a sense of closure.

As Tina Tower puts it: “How you want to walk into the new year is full, not empty.” So take that time to reflect, rest, and honor your journey. The goals, dreams, and plans will still be waiting when you return, and you’ll be better prepared—mind, body, and spirit—to meet them.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and cheers to a more intentional, restorative close to your year!