How to Plan Your Business Strategy for 2026
Written By Patricia Mui
As the year winds down, many business owners and team leaders start asking the same questions:
How do I close 2025 strong?
How do I set myself or my team up for success in 2026?
Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or corporate leader, the end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan strategically.
But here’s the truth: planning isn’t about endless spreadsheets or back-to-back meetings.
It’s about clarity, focus, and actionable steps that actually move the needle.
Step 1: Reflect on 2025 — Honestly
Before you look ahead, take a hard look at the year behind you. Ask yourself:
What worked well, and why?
What didn’t work, and what was the real reason?
Where did my time, energy, and resources create the biggest returns?
Which projects, initiatives, or processes were wasted effort?
Reflection doesn’t have to be painful.
Treat it like a business checkup: you’re gathering data to make better decisions for the year ahead.
Pro Tip: Document your reflections in a simple 2-column table: Wins / Lessons Learned. This keeps things organized and actionable.
Step 2: Set Strategic Priorities for 2026
Once you’ve reviewed the past year, identify 3–5 priorities that will drive your next year forward. These should be specific, measurable, and realistic.
For example:
Increase team productivity by 20% with new project management systems
Launch a new service or product by Q2
Strengthen company culture with structured communication rituals
Priorities aren’t a wish list…they’re a roadmap.
When you focus on a few key goals, you can allocate time, budget, and attention where it counts most.
For small business owners: your priority might be consolidating your services or refining your offerings.
For corporate teams: your priority could involve year-end budgeting or aligning team objectives for 2026.
Step 3: Align Your Budget and Resources
Your strategy is only as strong as your execution. Now is the time to review financials, tools, and people:
Budget: Look at remaining 2025 funds. Are there smart investments you can make now to improve 2026 performance?
Team & People: Identify skill gaps or leadership needs. Would a short-term consultant, clarity session, or culture audit help?
Processes: What systems can you tweak or automate to reduce friction next year?
Pro Tip: This is where companies often stumble: strategy without resources fails. Make sure your plan is grounded in reality, not just aspiration.
Step 4: Create a Clear Action Plan
Now that you have priorities and resources aligned, it’s time to make a concrete action plan:
Break each priority into quarterly or monthly steps.
Assign accountability for each step.
Schedule check-ins or mini-reviews to stay on track.
Even if you’re a solopreneur, this is crucial. A 90-minute clarity session can help you identify blind spots and craft this plan without spinning your wheels.
For teams, a short culture diagnostic can reveal hidden misalignments before they derail your strategy.
Step 5: Build in Reflection & Adjustments
No plan is perfect. The best strategies are flexible.
Schedule quarterly reviews to assess progress.
Don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working.
Celebrate wins! Small milestones build momentum and confidence.
Bonus Tip: Seek Outside Perspective
Sometimes, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. That’s where outside support comes in:
Clarity Sessions (Individuals): A 90-minute session to get unstuck, set priorities, and leave with a concrete roadmap.
Mini Consulting / Culture Diagnostics (Teams & Businesses): Reveal hidden pain points, align your team, and identify actionable steps before 2026 begins.
Having an external consultant or coach ensures your plan isn’t just another document gathering dust…it’s actionable, realistic, and aligned with your goals.
Next Steps to Close 2025 Strong
You don’t need a 12-month plan right now. You just need clarity on your next move.
If you’re ready to finish 2025 strong and step into 2026 with confidence, consider booking a Clarity in 90 session or a Mini Culture Diagnostic today. Spots are limited for October, and your future self will thank you.
Patricia Mui
