In the final PTMA episode of 2025, Ant, Nik and Sky wrap up the year with a very coach-specific reality check:

• Should you actually run a front-end offer in January – or is it just another 6-week shred you’ll regret?

• Why the classic SMART goals approach is “shit” for coaches and clients… and how PTMA rebuilt their entire goal-setting system using bridge models, GROW and wildly important goals.

• How to get the most out of January 2026 as a self-employed coach (instead of landing back on the gym floor on 2nd January with no plan and a head full of pressure).

• Personal + business highlights from 2025, what changed inside PTMA, and what the team are excited for in Q1 2026 – including Connected Coach and the new January programme.

  
  

  00:00 – 03:40 – Intro & Christmas Film Icebreaker
  End-of-year chaos, dodgy Wi-Fi, Christmas film choices, Lapland prices, and Ant’s Home Alone obsession.

  03:40 – 04:15 – From Banter to Business
  Quick pivot from festive chat into the real question coaches are asking about January.

  04:15 – 05:55 – “Is a Front-End Offer in January a Good Idea?”
  Sky throws the question in; Ant breaks down:

  • Why front-end offers in Jan can work really well

  • The importance of aligning them with your values and long-term process

  • How to position the “what happens next” so it’s not just a 6–8 week graveyard.

  05:55 – 08:10 – Values, Messaging & Next Steps After a Front-End
  How to think beyond the shred:

  • The real job of a front-end

  • Making sure it nudges people into meaningful action, not just a quick fix.

  08:10 – 08:23 – Quick Tech Question
  “What do you use to record the podcast?” → Riverside.

  08:23 – 11:36 – Why PTMA’s Goal Setting Is Different (and Why SMART Is Shit)
  Nik breaks down PTMA’s goal-setting framework:

  • Why SMART goals alone don’t build ownership or internal motivation

  • The Bridge Model – where you are, where you want to be, and how to cross the gap

  • Layering in GROW and Wildly Important Goals / OKRs

  • Breaking business goals into 12 / 90 / 30 / 7 milestones so coaches actually follow through.

  11:36 – 12:03 – Holding the Space for Coaches
  A bit of back-and-forth between the team on Nik’s answer and how the framework evolved.

  12:03 – 16:48 – How to Make the Most Out of January 2026 as a Self-Employed Coach
  Sky leads on:

  • Why you can’t wait until 2nd–3rd Jan to decide your plan

  • Getting clear now on:

    • What you’re offering in January

    • Whether it’s a front-end offer, lead magnet, or new service

    • When marketing starts and what channels you’re using

  • Running end-of-year review calls and Q1 goal-setting with current clients

  • Using feedback to protect retention so you don’t sleepwalk into a high-leaver January

  • Managing your own energy, boundaries and schedule in a grim, cold month.

  Ant then adds:

  • Why January success = December effort

  • Matching your plan to your target (e.g. 12 new clients by end of Jan)

  • Managing expectations and not kidding yourself with “wishful” plans.

  16:48 – 19:36 – Quick Reflections & Transition
  Short wrap on the January piece and a move into more reflective questions.

  17:28 – 21:00 – 2025 Business Highlights – Restructuring PTMA
  Nik & Ant on:

  • The conference as a consistent highlight

  • Completely restructuring and simplifying PTMA’s offers

  • Making it easier to get the best out of coaches with the right mix of directness and accountability

  • The messy middle of changing a business you’ve controlled for 8–10 years, and coming out the other side stronger.

  19:20 – 19:36 – Nik’s Personal Take

  19:41 – 22:49 – Ant’s Personal & Business Highlights

  22:49 – 25:15 – Sky’s Personal & Business Highlights

  25:15 – 26:07 – Grassroots Football GOAT

  26:07 – 28:18 – Looking Ahead to 2026 & Wrap-Up.

  28:15 – End – Merry Christmas & See You in 2026