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While many RIA leaders wait until closer to the new year to set goals, the most successful firms use this time of year to plan ahead. Harkening back to the days of school supplies, full backpacks, and a clean slate, September is the perfect time to regroup, refocus, and start laying the groundwork for a successful 2025.
By taking action now, you can reflect on the year’s achievements and challenges, make strategic adjustments, and set a clear path for growth in the year ahead. Don’t wait until January — start planning today to position yourself for success tomorrow.
Here's an approach to help you begin.
Reflect on this year's wins
Before you can effectively plan for the future, it’s crucial to reflect on the present. What have you accomplished so far this year?
Many of us tend to focus on what we haven’t achieved, but it’s equally important to acknowledge your wins. Whether it’s exceeding revenue targets, signing more of the right clients, or navigating unexpected conditions, recognizing your achievements helps build momentum for what’s next.
For instance, I serve as a Fractional CMO for an RIA who experienced unprecedented staff turnover this year. While the setback affected the revenue numbers for the year, the leaders took the opportunity to restructure, bring in new talent to form a more cohesive team, and evaluate how they want to grow. They’ve recently regained motivation by reflecting on what's worked and what truly energizes them to identify a clear path forward.
Take a moment to answer the following:
- What’s your biggest achievement of the year?
- What unexpected successes did you encounter?
- What challenges have you overcome, and how did they shape your approach?
With this acknowledgement, you can determine if you need to recalibrate expectations for the remainder of the year. Coupled with a look forward into your longer term vision, you’ll have more clarity on what priorities fit for 2025.
Tap into your vision
When setting annual goals, think beyond the next 12 months. Many RIA leaders hold a 3- or 5-year vision for their firm. This intermediate timeline allows you to stretch your thinking while keeping your goals realistic and within reach. What can you achieve by the end of 2025 that will move you closer to that three-year vision?
Start with the big picture and work backward:
- What do you want your business to look like at the end of 2025?
- What skills or resources will you need to reach those goals?
- What obstacles might you face, and what actions can you take to overcome them?
By addressing these questions early, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of reactive planning and create a clear path toward your goals.
Plan for both professional and personal fulfillment
At Full Advisor Coaching, we believe that business success and personal fulfillment go hand in hand. That’s why your 2025 plan shouldn’t just focus on professional growth — it should include goals that bring you joy outside of work. Where have you experienced the most happiness so far this year? What do you want to start or continue doing in the months ahead?
As you plan for 2025, include personal milestones alongside your professional goals:
- What activities will rejuvenate and energize you?
- What new skills or hobbies can you pursue?
- How can you make space for both work and life in the year ahead?
When you align your personal and professional aspirations, you create a balanced plan that fuels sustainable success.
Related: The Breakaway Advisor’s Marketing Game Plan with Lauren Hong