Before You Plan Next Year: 5 Clarity Questions to Spark Momentum
As the year winds down, it’s tempting to jump straight into next year’s plans — to fill spreadsheets, color-code calendars, and convince yourself that this will finally be the year everything runs smoothly.
But here’s the truth: momentum doesn’t come from more planning. It comes from clarity.
Before you set new goals, you need to pause long enough to understand what’s actually working, what’s not, and where you want to direct your energy next. These five clarity questions will help you spark that momentum — without the overwhelm.
1. What actually worked this year — and why?
We love the “why” behind the win. Instead of stopping at what worked, dig deeper into why it worked.
Was it the strategy itself — or the consistency behind it?
Did your audience respond to your message — or to the emotion behind it?
Did a specific platform or partnership open new doors — and how can you keep that door open?
The goal here isn’t to recreate your wins exactly, but to replicate the conditions that made them possible.
2. Where did you spend energy without seeing results?
This one stings a little, but it’s necessary. Look for the parts of your business or marketing that drained your time without moving you forward.
Maybe you were posting constantly but not connecting. Maybe your meetings multiplied while momentum stalled.
Clarity comes when you give yourself permission to let go. What would happen if you stopped doing the things that no longer serve you?
3. What stories are you ready to tell next year?
Whether you’re a brand, a leader, or a team — your story drives connection.
Ask yourself:
What have we learned that’s worth sharing?
What message do we want our audience to remember?
What do we want to be known for — not just what we want to sell?
Your next phase of growth starts with the stories you decide to tell.
4. How do you want your work to feel?
This question isn’t soft — it’s strategic. When your work feels aligned, you naturally attract the right people, opportunities, and energy.
Think about your days at their best: What kind of work lights you up? What kind of clients or collaborators bring out your best ideas?
Next year’s strategy should reflect that — not fight against it.
5. What are you ready to activate next?
Planning is passive. Activation is momentum in motion.
Choose one thing you’re ready to move from idea → action:
A new service or offer
A rebrand or refresh
A more visible thought-leadership presence
A content strategy that actually feels sustainable
The magic happens when clarity meets activation.
Your Next Step: Clarity Before Calendar
Before you build your 2026 plan, take time to clarify what deserves your energy — not just where to spend it.
At Go Girl Communications, we offer two ways to turn clarity into momentum:
Content Strategy Intensive: Gives you focus, structure, and direction for the next 90-days. We’ll help you identify your key content themes, simplify your strategy, and create a roadmap you can actually follow.
1:1 Strategy Session with Patti Minglin: This 60-minute strategy session will help you dig into your goals and messaging. It includes a post-session follow up with next steps, recommendations and resources.
If you’re ready to start next year with focus, momentum, and a plan that actually feels doable — let’s find your next right move now.