The December Advantage
I’m sitting at a coffee shop in Denver, watching people order their peppermint mochas and seasonal lattes. The barista just asked someone, “Starting your New Year’s resolution early?”
The customer laughed. “God, no. I’ll worry about that in January.”
And I get it. December feels like borrowed time. The year is winding down. Productivity is optional. Diet? Forget it. There’s cookies everywhere. Exercise routine? We’ll get back to it after the holidays.
But here’s a personal rule that’s served me well for the last 10 years:
December isn’t throw-away time. It’s launch time.
The Running Start
Every major win I’ve had in my life started in December.
When I decided to write my forthcoming book, Unignorable, I didn’t wait for January 1st to feel inspired. I started writing in mid-December. Messy first drafts. Horrible intro that got thrown away. But I was moving.
When I launched a new coaching practice, I didn’t wait for the new year to build my website or reach out to potential clients. I started in December. By January 1st, I already had momentum.
Even the years I wanted to get healthier, I didn’t wait. I started the new routine in December so that by the time everyone else was making resolutions, I was already three weeks in.
Here’s why it works:
1. You work out the kinks before it counts
Starting early gives you permission to fail small. You learn what works and what doesn’t before the pressure of a fresh year kicks in.
2. You avoid the motivation trap
Most resolutions fail because people rely on willpower alone. But willpower is finite. Momentum isn’t.
When you start in December, you’re not relying on January motivation. You’re building a habit before the hype even begins.
3. You separate yourself from the pack
Everyone else is coasting. Phones on silent. Minds on vacation mode. But you? You’re quietly getting a head start.
By the time January rolls around and everyone’s scrambling to “get back on track,” you’re already two weeks ahead. That psychological edge is massive.
4. You stop treating time like it’s disposable
Here’s the unignorable truth: There is no “after the holidays.” There’s just life. And if you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start something important, you’re going to be waiting forever.
December isn’t a free pass to check out. It’s a chance to check in. To ask yourself: What do I want next year to look like? And what can I do today to move toward it?
5. You create proof, not promises
Resolutions are promises. And promises are easy to break.
But when you start in December, you create proof. Proof that you can follow through. Proof that you’re serious. Proof that you’re not waiting for permission or the perfect moment.
That proof compounds. It builds trust with yourself. And that trust is what carries you through when motivation fades.
What I’m starting this December.
I live this advice year in and year out!
I’m launching The Unignorable Business Studio. Not in January. Now.
I’m refining my coaching offerings and reaching out to people I want to work with in 2026. Not when it’s convenient. Now.
I’m also committing to something personal: mornings without my phone. Just 30 minutes of quiet before the world rushes in. Because I know that if I don’t protect that time now, January won’t magically make it easier.
The Invitation
You don’t have to wait until January 1st to change your life. You don’t need a fresh calendar or a clean slate or a perfectly crafted plan.
You just need to start.
Pick one thing. One goal. One small action. And do it this week.
Not because you’re ready. But because waiting won’t make you readier.
Your coach,
Chris
P.S. Here's something you don't have to wait until January for: deciding if you want in. I’m running a 10-week mastermind for experts ready to become their own boss, build something profitable on their own terms, and finally enjoy the freedom they've been craving. Just 10 seats. Details here.
