The final quarter of the year is a powerful time for reflection and momentum-building, and September is a great time to invest in some planning time, ready for a quieter December, a break over Christmas and a great start to the New Year.
The final quarter of the year it offers a really unique opportunity to assess where your practice stands, solidify your priorities and position yourself for success in the upcoming year. As a therapist in private practice, managing the last quarter can set the tone for future growth, financial stability, and strategic progress.
Like starting a new notebook or the excitement of a New Year, each quarter allows for a fresh start. Now is the perfect time to review what’s been accomplished, refine your goals, and lay the groundwork for the months ahead.
Why Quarterly Planning Matters
Running a successful private practice requires more than clinical excellence—it involves business strategy, marketing, financial planning, and administration. Quarterly planning helps you control these elements by giving you the structure to align day-to-day operations with your long-term business vision.
Here’s why quarterly planning is essential, especially as you approach the final quarter of the year:
Top Priorities for the Next Quarter
The last quarter is the perfect time to focus on what truly matters. Take a moment to define your top priorities. Whether it’s expanding your client base, improving operational efficiencies, or launching a new service, make sure your goals are clear and actionable.
Ask yourself:
What are the main goals that will move my practice forward in this quarter?
Do these align with my overall business values and long-term vision?
How can I build on my successes from earlier in the year?
Align with Business Values and Vision
Revisiting your business values and objectives during this crucial time helps ensure you are on track to meet your broader vision. Aligning your quarterly goals with your core values creates consistency and focus.
Use this time to ask:
Are my priorities aligned with my business values and long-term vision?
What small but impactful steps can I take now to push forward in the right direction?
Building on Successes
Take a moment to celebrate and reflect on your wins from earlier in the year. What worked well? How can you build on these successes? Your accomplishments can serve as a launchpad for future growth, so consider how to extend or amplify them in this final stretch.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Track
Tracking your progress with clear, measurable goals is vital. As you enter the last quarter, set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure you’re staying on track. Whether you’re monitoring client growth, revenue, or online engagement, KPIs keep you accountable.
What metrics will help me evaluate success this quarter?
How will I measure my progress?
Address Any Training Needs
Are there gaps in your skill set that, if addressed, could improve your practice? Now is the time to schedule any training or professional development that could help you achieve your goals more efficiently. Investing in yourself this quarter can make a big impact as you prepare for the year ahead.
Quarterly Planning Benefits
Quarterly planning allows you to break down your yearly goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. It helps you stay motivated, avoid overwhelm, and adjust quickly to changing circumstances. With a clear plan, your practice can remain agile and focused, ready to respond to new opportunities or challenges.
Subscribe here to continue reading and download your quarterly planning template; get organised today and start 2025 with a strong start.
Listen to this episode with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Therapists Corner to listen to this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.
