Roll over and stretch- 2025

By Bernard Kelvin CLIVE

As the year draws to a close, many of us reflect on the things we intended to accomplish or still hope to achieve during this season, all in preparation for the year ahead.

In this episode, I’d like to share some thoughts on what I call “rollover.” The question is whether you’ll stretch yourself to finish strong or let things slide. Will you retreat, push forward, or simply roll over into the new year?

Here’s the reality: many organizations and individuals set goals at different times. Some prefer the middle of the year—around June, July, or August—while others wait until the end of the year, during December or January, to prepare for what’s ahead.

Whatever your preference, it’s entirely valid. That said, there’s a global trend of people setting goals and resolutions as December transitions into January. This is when aspirations for the New Year take shape.

My question to you is: with only a few days left in the year, will you let things slide, roll over, or take a moment to retreat and recharge? Maybe you’ve done enough for the year and need to rest. Whatever your decision, it’s worth reflecting on what works best for you.

Let’s break this down into three key points, starting with the first.

Retreat: Reflect and refuel

As the year comes to an end, it’s an excellent time to retreat and reflect on everything you’ve done from January to December. Look back on the goals you set and the targets you aimed for. Did you achieve them? Were they realistic? Take the time to thoroughly review your progress.

This is also a chance to revisit the smaller items on your bucket list, goal list, or planner. Ask yourself:

• What goals did I achieve?
• Which ones did I fall short on?
• What contributed to my successes, and what held me back?

For each achievement or shortcoming, identify the learning curves. For instance:

• If you wrote a book this year, what did you learn? Perhaps it’s about time management, creativity, or persistence.
• If you started a business or side hustle, what were the key lessons? Did you face challenges like marketing, resource management, or balancing priorities?

To simplify this process, organize everything into threes:

1. The top three achievements of the year.
2. The top three reasons for any setbacks.
3. The top three lessons learned from your experiences.

So, think about the top three things you want to carry forward into the next year. These could be lessons, habits, or strategies that will help you with future projects. Structuring your reflections this way—identifying causes, effects, challenges, and solutions—creates a clear and actionable plan for the year ahead.

The first key point is retreat—and here are three ways to approach it effectively:

1. Identify the lessons you’ve learned.
2. Acknowledge the challenges and struggles you faced.
3. Determine what insights and strategies you’ll carry forward to achieve your goals in the coming year.

Reflection is refreshing. In fact, I wrote an entire book on this topic titled Retreat: Reflection for Busy Businessmen, which is suitable for both men and women. You can find it on Amazon or other platforms. Whether you prefer reading the book or listening to the audio version, it’s a valuable resource to guide your reflection process.

Retreat is important regardless of how your year turned out—whether it was successful or challenging. Reflection helps you pick out the key lessons and strategies that can shape your future efforts. Without looking back, you risk repeating mistakes or missing the opportunity to understand what contributed to your success.

Make retreat a priority. Set aside time for yourself or your family. This could mean taking a day off, enjoying a weekday with loved ones, or even planning a short trip as a reward for your hard work.

If you’ve planned for such a retreat, follow through. If not, you can still create space for it in the remaining days of the year. Take at least one day to pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s essential not to run endlessly without stopping to assess your progress and reconnect with yourself.

Second: Take Action While You Can

Depending on who you are and the goals you’ve set, this time of year can present two options: you can relax and let the year wind down, or you can seize the moment and accomplish even more.

For some, the temptation to relax is strong. “The year is over; I’ll just take it easy,” they say. But sometimes, based on your capacity, skills, and available energy, this period can be a powerful time to push forward.

Let me share a personal example. Just this month—within a few days in December—I’ve written five song lyrics. Interestingly, this wasn’t part of my bucket list or year-end goals. While writing some poems and listening to music, I felt a spark of intuition. That inspiration struck unexpectedly, and I acted on it immediately, reworking and completing the lyrics in no time.

This isn’t the first time this has happened. Last year, during December, I managed to write two books. How? By recognizing and using the energy, passion, and inspiration when they appeared. I didn’t postpone the work to the next year or let the moment pass.

So, here’s my encouragement: if you feel the drive to accomplish something right now—whether it’s writing, creating, or starting a project—don’t delay. Don’t roll it over to next year. Act on it while the inspiration and capacity are there.

This message is for anyone who feels the urge to act but is hesitating. If there’s something you truly want to do, now might be the perfect time to make it happen.

If there’s a book you’ve been meaning to write, don’t wait—start today. Take the inspiration you have and act on it.

That project you’ve been putting off? Begin now. Starting is often the most crucial step.

Don’t convince yourself, “I’ll push it to next year when I can prepare more.” No. The time is now. If you have the inspiration and the desire, use it. Yes, only a few days remain in the year, but imagine this: if there were no calendar, no defined end to the year, what would you do?

Don’t tie your actions to the calendar. While the transition to a new year is meaningful, it shouldn’t limit your ability to act when inspiration strikes. If something is triggering you to start, don’t hesitate. Work on it now.

You’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish in these final days. Begin today. Take that first step.

Start writing that book. Begin your music career. Enroll in that course. Revisit your plans. Start today, not tomorrow. Don’t just roll over.

Third: Stretch Yourself

As we enter the New Year, the final key point I want to emphasize is the importance of stretching yourself. It’s time to go beyond your limits and exceed your expectations. This applies to all of us.

For example, as an author, I’ve written several books this year. Yet, even now, I’m pushing myself to do more, even in December. Stretching means going beyond what you believe are your limitations and expanding your capacity.

In the coming year, strive to do more—deliver higher-quality service, focus on niche areas, and pursue growth relentlessly. Take on that course, revisit that challenge, fight that battle again, and give it your best. Stretch yourself, even when it feels exhausting.

Here’s what to focus on as you stretch for the New Year:

Build Capacity
To achieve greater heights, preparation is imperative.

Ask yourself: What do I need to become to get where I want to go? This is the starting point. Next, consider: What do I need to do to become that person? For instance:

• Do I need to take specific courses?
• Should I find a mentor or coach?
• Would reading certain books or saving money help me?
• Should I learn about the stock market or cryptocurrency?

Identify the resources and actions required to help you move to the next level. At the same time, ask: What do I not need?

Some weights and unproductive tasks are holding you back. Leave them behind as you move forward. Let go of the distractions and activities that no longer serve your purpose. As I’ve often said, drop what’s weighing you down—it’s essential for progress.

Now, the third critical question: Who do I need on board?

• Success often involves collaboration. Think about the people you need in your “boat” to cross over to your goals.
• Who has been where you want to go?
• Who has the expertise or knowledge in a field you need to master?

Make a list of the key people you need to engage with or bring onto your team. Whether they’re mentors, partners, or experts, having the right individuals on board can accelerate your journey.

Finally, evaluate all three questions:

1. What do I need to become?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Who do I need on board?

When you reflect on these questions and act on your answers, you’ll be positioned to scale up—not just in the coming year but starting now. Stretch yourself to exceed expectations, break barriers, and achieve more.

Push Beyond Your Limits
Finish what you’ve started, even if it feels overwhelming. Complete that project, take on that new challenge, and keep moving forward.

Stretching yourself is about breaking past comfort zones and discovering your full potential. Whether it’s building capacity, starting a new endeavor, or finishing strong, the act of stretching will set the tone for the year ahead.

You have the capacity to grow, to go beyond, and to succeed. The best is yours—go for it.

Let me hear from you regarding your branding and book publishing needs.

Bernard is  the host of the highly-ranked Career & Business Podcast, where he shares his insights on branding and life. As a brand strategist at BKC Consulting, he runs the monthly Branding & Publishing Masterclass, helping individuals take their personal and professional brands to new heights. To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name. WhatsApp: 233244961121

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