L-R Lisa Krishtul, Unna Goldsworthy, Jenni D’Orival, Michelle Varcoe, Tessa O’Neill and Dawn Patrick
Gembridge recently hosted a group of For Purpose Leaders for an intimate Lunch & Learn with Unna who shared insights, research, mindset tools, and strategies for leaders to bring their best version of themselves and lead thriving teams.
“Who is flying the plane?” struck a chord with all of us as Unna reminded us that we are all in the cockpit of our own lives, with the power to change course and steer ourselves toward whatever destination we choose.
Unna Goldsworthy, Founder of Unna Movement, is a Performance Coach, Breath Science Practitioner, and Exercise Physiologist. She generously shares valuable tips to help you finish 2024 on a high note.
End-of-Year Hustle: A Guide to Finishing Strong, by Unna Goldsworthy
As the year winds down, it’s tempting to push through the hustle and grind, but ignoring the signals your body is sending could leave you running on empty, or emptier….. Here’s how to rewrite the narrative, align with what your body needs, and set yourself up for a healthier start to the new year.
Eliminate unhelpful phrases
The language we use impacts how we show up. Replace disempowering phrases with empowering statements:
“I can’t” → “I choose not to.”
“I have to” → “I will.”
“I won’t” → “I’m choosing differently.”
Shifting your language shifts your mindset from victimhood to ownership. Instead of feeling trapped by demands, you create space to act in alignment with your values and needs.
Avoid last year’s burnout mistakes
Think back to the patterns that drained your energy last year:
Did you people-please at your expense?
Say “yes” when your body was screaming “no”?
Keep going when rest was non-negotiable?
Audit your choices and commit to doing things differently this time. Protect your energy by setting clear boundaries and making physical rest a priority.
Listen to your body’s call
Ignoring your body is like screening calls from someone who has information you actually need to hear! Pay attention to the subtle and not-so-subtle signals—fatigue, tension, pain. Ask:
What is my body trying to tell me?
What am I avoiding or pushing through?
Pain avoidance might drive behavior, but leaning into discomfort with curiosity can reveal the changes your body needs.
Here, doing a body check-in exercise can really help tune into your body. This can be as simple as taking 30 seconds out of your day to centre yourself and ask yourself: How does my body feel right now?
Build non-negotiable rest into your schedule
If this year has been physically demanding, commit to intentional rest as part of your end-of-year routine. That might mean:
Scheduling downtime as you would an important meeting.
Protecting your mornings or evenings for restorative movement, mindfulness, or simply doing nothing.
Creating a rhythm that supports energy renewal, not depletion.
Befriend your body with curiosity
Your body holds the stories of this year—and every year before it. Reflect on how your habits, stress, and emotional experiences have shaped how you feel now. Instead of blaming or ignoring your body, ask:
What can I give my body today to help it feel safe and supported?
What has worked for me in the past, and what’s worth letting go?
End-of-year reframe
By listening to your body, adjusting your mindset, and realigning your habits, you can close out the year on your terms — not drained and defeated, but empowered and intentional.
Start small.
Acknowledge the hustle, but don’t let it hijack your well-being. You can finish strong and begin anew with clarity and control.
Remember: This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Meet yourself where you are at, and give your body what it truly needs.
A wonderful question to ask at the end of this “With things as they are, what's to be done”.
Unna Goldsworthy from Unna Movement
Blog kindly shared from Unna, originally from here.
Set yourself up for 2025 is another timely article by Unna that you may find useful as you plan for an incredible new year.
Thank you Unna!