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As Q4 drags on and burnout hits hard, Erik and guest co-host Alli Murphy explore what it really takes to finish the year with clarity, energy, and intention. From mindset shifts to calendar control to a radical idea called “Minimum Viable December,” this episode offers a refreshingly honest, funny, and practical take on how to navigate the end of the year without losing your momentum—or your mind.

Whether you’re sprinting toward deadlines or tempted to tap out early, this is the episode to help you pause, reset, and lead yourself (and others) more intentionally.

🧭 Conversation Highlights

• Why December isn’t the time to start fixing the year—and what to do instead
• The emotional weight of unfinished goals and how to triage what really matters
• Alli’s concept of “Minimum Viable December” and why it’s a radical act of clarity
• How gamifying your tasks can help fight Q4 fatigue
• What it means to optimize for future-you (and why that’s different from hustling)
• The tradeoffs of adding vs. subtracting—and the unexpected ROI of doing less
• When empathy becomes a leadership crutch, not a strength
• How to shift from disconnection to gratitude when motivation is low

💡 Key Takeaways

• Less is a leadership strategy: Doing fewer things with clarity often leads to better results than forcing more effort.
• Finish the year for January, not December: Closing loops now sets you up to hit the ground running after the break.
• Your calendar is your energy engine: Block your time with intention and say no to anything that doesn’t serve your focus.
• Gamify to survive: Rewarding yourself (or your team) with small incentives can spark motivation and make big tasks more bearable.
• Empathy needs a boundary: Compassion is critical, but without a clear standard for accountability, it becomes a trap.

❓ Questions That Mattered

• What do we actually need to get done before the end of the year—and why?
• How do you tell the difference between important and urgent when you’re tired?
• What happens when you give yourself permission to subtract instead of add?
• Why do high performers feel guilty for doing less—even when it’s the right move?
• How can we build rhythms that honor rest and results?

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“There’s no efficient way to do something that doesn’t need to be done.” – Erik

“I’ve done less… and things are working better. It’s wild.” – Alli

“This is the first time in seven years that I’m not sprinting through December—and I’m watching what unfolds.” – Alli

“If it matters, I’ll find the motivation. If it doesn’t, I need to be honest.” – Erik

“Minimum Viable December is about honoring the season, not fighting it.” – Alli

“Doing something future-you will thank you for—that’s the game.” – Erik