It’s January 2026 — but are you still chasing the same goals you set in 2025? In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, Helen challenges you to break the cycle of setting the same targets year after year without moving the needle.

Drawing on relatable stories (including one about an 8-week cooking course that sparked a big “aha!” moment), Helen shares her five proven tips for turning your 2026 goals into reality:

1. Reframe, don’t repeat – Update stale goals so they’re specific, emotionally engaging, and time-bound, instead of dragging last year’s list forward untouched.
2. Focus on micro wins – Break big, daunting ambitions into smaller, achievable actions that keep momentum going.
3. Change your environment – Set yourself up for success with surroundings that make progress easier, not harder.
4. Get accountable – Build in external motivation, from coaches to public commitments, to keep you on track.
5. Know your “why” – Connect each goal to a bigger sense of purpose so you stay driven even when the novelty wears off.

This episode is part inspiration, part practical action plan — ideal for business owners and leaders who don’t just want to “set” goals, but actually hit them. If you’re ready to make 2026 the year you stop repeating history and start creating it, this one’s for you.

👉 If you’d like to find out more about how to book qualified appointments that help you achieve those big business goals, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact.

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In this final episode of 2025, Helen shifts focus to the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business owners during the festive season. As the year draws to a close, she shares practical advice on how to truly disconnect and recharge, ensuring you return to work refreshed and ready for the challenges of 2026. Helen outlines five essential strategies to help you make the most of this downtime, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care and mental health.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritise Sleep: Helen discusses the critical role of sleep in maintaining overall well-being. She shares personal tips on how to improve sleep patterns during the holiday season, stressing that proper rest is foundational to recharging.
• Schedule True Downtime: It's easy to fill your time with social obligations, but Helen advises scheduling periods where you can unwind without the pressure of constant activity, ensuring you don’t return to work exhausted.
• Stay Active: Exercise is vital, even during the holidays. Helen suggests simple ways to incorporate physical activity into your routine, which will help you feel more energized and give you a break from the holiday hustle.
• Mentally Disconnect from Work: Helen encourages listeners to take advantage of the fact that most businesses are closed, making it easier to switch off and enjoy the holidays without thinking about work.
• Avoid Scheduling Work: Resist the temptation to use the holiday period for catching up on tasks. Helen emphasizes the importance of a complete break to start the new year feeling refreshed.

Listener Challenge:

Helen challenges listeners to fully embrace the festive period as a time for rest and recovery. She encourages you to implement these strategies and avoid the temptation to work, ensuring you return to the new year with renewed energy.

Call to Action:

If you found these tips helpful, make sure to subscribe for the upcoming series in 2026, where Helen will continue to provide valuable insights for business owners. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs who might benefit from a well-deserved break. For more advice and to stay updated on new conten, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact.

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In this insightful episode, Helen continues her series on setting impactful goals, guiding listeners through a structured approach to planning for the year ahead. Building on the foundation laid in part one, this episode focuses on breaking down annual goals into manageable, actionable steps, using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework. Helen emphasizes the importance of quarterly planning and regular reviews to ensure progress and accountability.

Key Takeaways:

• Quarterly Planning: Helen advocates for dividing the year into 90-day sprints, which helps maintain focus and allows for more achievable goal setting. This method ensures that progress is consistent and manageable.
• Identifying Key Objectives (Rocks): Inspired by the EOS system, Helen explains how to identify your most important goals, or "rocks," that will drive your business or personal growth. These are the big objectives that should be prioritized above all else.
• Reverse Engineering Goals: To effectively plan your actions, Helen suggests reverse engineering your goals. Start with the desired outcome and work backward to determine the specific steps needed to achieve it.
• Accountability Strategies: Helen highlights the value of accountability, whether through regular team meetings or an accountability buddy. These practices ensure that goals remain a priority and that progress is monitored consistently.
• Weekly Check-ins: Regular weekly meetings are crucial for reviewing progress on your goals. These meetings help keep everyone on track and provide an opportunity to address any obstacles.
• Practical Examples: Helen shares real examples from her business, illustrating how to set sales targets, refine client onboarding processes, and implement necessary tools like CRM systems to streamline operations.

Listener Challenge:

Helen encourages listeners to implement a quarterly planning process and set their key "rocks" for the next 90 days. She challenges them to reverse engineer their goals and establish accountability practices that will keep them on track.

Resources Mentioned:

• EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
• Reverse engineering goal-setting techniques

Call to Action:

If you found these strategies helpful, be sure to subscribe and tune in for the next episode, where Helen will continue to guide you on your journey to achieving your goals. Share this episode with others who might benefit from a more structured approach to goal setting. For more insights and to book a consultation, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact.

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Episode Summary: In this thoughtful episode, Helen guides listeners through a powerful end-of-year ritual designed to help business owners and professionals reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. Recognizing the importance of closure before setting new goals, Helen introduces a three-part exercise focused on celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and extracting valuable lessons learned. This practice is particularly useful for those who align their year-end reflections with the traditional calendar but can be applied at any time for a fresh start.

Key Takeaways:

1. Celebrate Achievements: Start by listing all the positives from the past year. Collaborate with a partner or friend to help uncover accomplishments you might overlook. Aim to identify at least 50 things you’re proud of, focusing on both personal and professional successes.
2. Acknowledge Challenges: Reflect on what didn’t go well and create a list of these situations. Engage in a clearing exercise by repeating the phrases “I forgive you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I love you” to release any lingering negative energy and move forward with a lighter heart.
3. Learn from the Year: Consider the lessons you’ve learned from both your successes and setbacks. Identify key takeaways that will inform your approach in the coming year, helping you to grow and evolve.
4. Clearing Exercise: The clearing exercise Helen recommends involves forgiving yourself and others, allowing you to let go of negative emotions tied to the past. This process can be emotionally intense but is ultimately freeing, paving the way for a more positive outlook.
5. Preparation for Goal Setting: This episode focuses on the first part of the exercise—reflection and clearing. The next episode will delve into setting goals for 2026, building on the insights gained from this reflection process.

Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to complete this three-part reflection exercise before the next episode. Take the time to identify your achievements, clear past challenges, and extract key lessons to ensure a fresh start as you prepare for the year ahead.

Resources Mentioned:

• Reflective journaling and clearing exercises.

Call to Action: If you found this exercise helpful, be sure to tune in next week for part two, where Helen will guide you through setting your goals for 2026. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with others who might benefit from this reflective practice. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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In this episode, Helen dives into the often-overlooked benefits of marketing during the so-called "quiet" months of August and December. While many businesses pause their marketing efforts during these periods, Helen argues that these months are actually prime opportunities to gain traction and secure new clients.

She explains that the common belief that everyone is on holiday in August or too distracted by the holidays in December is a misconception. By continuing to market during these times, you can reach decision-makers more easily and stand out in a less crowded market. Helen shares insights on how her own business thrives by booking meetings and securing new clients when others have slowed down.

She also discusses the importance of not letting the end-of-year mindset affect your marketing strategy, emphasizing the value of year-long programs and end-of-year offers. Helen encourages listeners to test this approach in their own businesses, highlighting the potential for significant gains.

Tune in to discover why August and December should be your secret weapons for successful marketing and how to make the most of these months when others are taking a break.

Key Takeaways:

1. Seize the Opportunity in Quiet Months: August and December are often overlooked as prime times for marketing, but they offer unique opportunities to reach decision-makers with less competition from other businesses.
2. Decision-Makers Are More Accessible: With many gatekeepers on holiday during these months, it can be easier to connect directly with decision-makers, increasing your chances of securing meetings and new clients.
3. Year-End and Year-Long Offers Can Drive Sales: December, in particular, is a great time to launch year-long programs or special offers. People are often planning for the year ahead and may be more willing to commit to your services.
4. Don’t Let the End-of-Year Mentality Slow You Down: Many businesses wind down their marketing efforts at the end of the year, but this is the perfect time to push forward and gain a competitive edge.
5. Test and Learn: Helen encourages businesses to experiment with marketing in August and December to see the potential for themselves. Consistent effort during these months can lead to significant growth.

Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Helen shares her tried-and-true strategies for maintaining mental well-being and staying positive as a Managing Director or business owner. Recognizing the unique pressures that come with leadership roles, Helen provides practical tips and exercises that have helped her stay focused, energised, and resilient. These practices are not only essential for personal sanity but also crucial for leading a motivated and effective team.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mindset Gym: Just as physical exercise is vital for the body, regular mental exercises are crucial for maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.
2. Daily Positive Inputs: Listen to uplifting podcasts, read inspiring books, and focus on learning and growth to keep your mindset sharp.
3. Set Challenges: Engage in personal or team challenges to stay motivated and focused, whether it's a sales sprint or a new project goal.
4. Focus on the Good: Write down three good things that happen each day to shift focus from negatives to positives.
5. Physical and Mental Health: Regular exercise and healthy eating are foundational to maintaining energy and a positive outlook.
6. Mental Breaks: Engage in activities like puzzles, crafts, or meditation to give your mind a rest from work stresses.
7. Energy Management: Use the red, orange, and green day method to track your energy levels and adjust your workload accordingly.
8. Addressing Negative Thoughts: Counter negative thoughts by writing them down and challenging them with positive affirmations.
9. Emotional Release Techniques: Practices like cord-cutting or object meditation can help release built-up stress or negative emotions.
10. Language Matters: Be mindful of your language, replacing “I can’t” with “I can” to foster a positive, solution-oriented mindset.

Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to visit their "mindset gym" daily, trying out various techniques to find what works best for them. Just as with physical fitness, consistency is key to mental strength.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
• The Effective CEO by Byron Morrison
• 10x Power Focus by David Sigler

• Podcasts:
• Seven Figure Agency by Josh Nelson
• Chill and Prosper by Denise Thomas
• The Grown Up Business Podcast by Paul Evans
• The Fabian Show by Fabian Fredrickson

Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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Episode Summary: In this episode, Helen shares a game-changing concept that transformed the way she manages her business: the realization that her role as a Managing Director (MD) is not to do everything herself but to ensure that everything gets done. She discusses how she shifted her focus from being the person who completes tasks to becoming a leader who delegates and oversees the completion of those tasks by her team.

Helen dives into the importance of understanding your true role as a business owner or leader, emphasizing that your job is to manage your team effectively rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day tasks. She reflects on her own journey from being a "doer" to a "project manager" and the positive impact this shift has had on her business and personal life.

Key Takeaways:

• The Key Concept: Just because something needs doing doesn't mean you have to be the one to do it. Your job as a business owner or MD is to ensure that tasks are completed, not necessarily to complete them yourself.
• The Role of Delegation: Delegating tasks to team members, especially those who are specialists in their field, can be more efficient and effective. This frees up your time to focus on strategic aspects of the business.
• Shift in Mindset: Moving from a "doer" to a "teacher" and "project manager" allows you to empower your team, ensuring that they are capable of handling tasks on their own, which in turn helps grow the business.
• The Impact on Business and Lifestyle: By delegating effectively, Helen's to-do list has drastically reduced, and she has seen significant improvements in how her business operates. This change has also improved her work-life balance.

Listener Challenge: Helen challenges listeners to reflect on their current role in their business or organization. Are you taking on too much? Who else can handle tasks that you are currently doing? Consider how you can delegate more effectively and focus on leading rather than doing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fiverr.com: A platform Helen uses to outsource tasks like creating sales pages.

Call to Action: If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to the podcast and share it with other business owners or leaders who might benefit from learning how to delegate more effectively. Don’t forget to tune in to the next episode for more tips on improving your business management skills. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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Are you actually measuring the right things in your business?

On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explains why, if you have an issue, sometimes what you THINK is the cause isn't what is the ACTUAL cause and encourages you to dig deeper to get to the root issue.

To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk

To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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How often do we assume that people understand everything we say?

On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you why it's essential to check, check and check again that people understand and know how to do their jobs and also have measures in place so you can see where there are issues.

To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk

To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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Do you use Chat GPT or Excel functions to automate your workload?

On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking tells you why if you currently don't, you absolutely should and how you can use these tools to simplify your business.

To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk

To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact

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