Last week I mentioned some quick wins you can get done before the end of 2025 to set you up for a great 2026 and this week I want to take a step back and explore a bigger picture item that you can add to your list before the New Year.

Until you replace yourself inside your small business, running it can feel like a never ending list of items that can have you working endless hours, days and months at a time.

When you’re “in it” as I like to say, it can be increasingly difficult to step back and look at the big picture.

As we wind down 2025 – on top of some of the things I mentioned last week – below are some questions you can review and answer to help you re-establish your big picture goals in 2026.

What did you aspire to create when you started your small business?

In the storytelling world, this is akin to your “origin story” – what was the catalyst for you going into business – your call-to-action, so to speak?

For many small businesses, the reason they started their small business is often their “why” – what ultimately makes them unique (differentiation).

For others, they sought to fill a gap or need in a known market or location – for others yet, they inspired to offer something better that others were offering.

Whatever the inspiration, it’s a good time of year for you to step back and remember what brought you about the creation of your small business.

Why Do Your Best Customers Continue To Choose You (Over Others In The Same Space)?

For many small business owners that have been in business for an extended period of time, what is it about your current services, products and experience that keeps customers coming back?

One of the advantages of having several years of business data & experience to look back on, is being able to see trends & patterns that can help influence shaping their customer experience.

Think back at the best customers or clients you’ve worked with over the years — how many are there & what patterns do you see emerge as you reminisce on your time in business?

Looking at reviews and other forms of feedback can be a great source for this step and help you do more of what’s working best – and what might be needed to improve in 2026.

The End Goal: What Kind Of Life Do You Want (Outside Of Your Small Business)?

Taking another far step back — what kind of life did you imagine having when you started your small business?

This is something no one else can help you with, but knowing the life you want outside of the business can help you move the pieces you need inside the business to get there.

If you find yourself in a place where your small business is starting to consume your life, now’s a great time to get organized and start 2026 with the ideal vision you want for your work-life balance.

Your “Why” Keeps You Going

Why did you start your business?

Why should customers (continue) to choose you in 2026?

What kind of life did you want to create with your small business?

While a few of these questions may seem outside of the scope of digital marketing, without answers to these to lay the foundation, many of the efforts can often feel “hollow”.

Three really basic questions, but questions that my best clients can answer quickly – and clearly – enhancing much of their small business digital marketing efforts.

As the late, great Jim Rohn said:

“If your Why is strong enough, the how becomes easy.”

So, as the book of 2025 starts to come to a close, identify your “whys” – and the “how” you get what you want may be much easier in 2026.