By Romanus Wolter

When you're running your own business, the last quarter is usually the time you close your books, review your past accomplishments and promise to work smarter, not harder. Unfortunately, with the new year closer than we'd like to admit, it is also the time when you are likely to start joining the ranks of the "overwhelmed."

You start the day with a positive attitude, ready to grow your business. But at day's end, you find that life's distractions have kept you from accomplishing your goals. Stop becoming overwhelmed by congratulating yourself on what you have achieved and immediately forgiving yourself for what you haven't. Then stay sane during times of change by trying the following:

Remember that happiness is your end game
Of all the retirees I've met, the happiest are those who treated their businesses and their lives as a journey of discovery. Instead of stopping progress when roadblocks appear, choose the best action and take it. Your willingness to deal with all obstacles and frustrations, no matter what, provides the confidence and strength you need to create success in the real world.

Let your passions rule
You will face many choices during the last couple months of the year. You will be tugged in one direction by social obligations and a desire to connect with your loved ones and in another by your need to keep your business thriving. Look at the big picture and let your passion tell you where to focus. You don't have to work 24 hours a day; you just have to work on what's most important to you.

Look at the big picture and let your passion tell you where to focus. You don't have to work 24 hours a day; you just have to work on what's most important to you.

Create specific short-term action steps to accomplish your goals
The world changes so quickly that your long-term goals will be altered as you learn what works and what doesn't. Break your larger tasks into action items that you can accomplish in short time frames. Write down your goal and then state actions you can take right now to start the process of achieving it. Taking action contributes to frequent successes and increased motivation.

Develop a "To-Do" list nightly
At the end of each day, write down all the action items that you want to achieve the next day, then prioritize them. Don't set yourself up for failure by putting too much on your list. Relax and think about your bigger picture. What's most important and what can you let go? Follow your "To-Do" list each day and recognize that you're accomplishing the most important stuff.

Realize you don't have to do this alone
Achieve your maximum productivity on a given day and most tasks will soon become routine. Share your list with others and ask for help. You can hire an administrative person or a family member, even once a week, to take care of the routine tasks, such as invoicing and collecting payments, so you can concentrate on growing your business.

Success comes as you continue to build momentum through consistent effort. Following the five action steps above will relieve your stress and allow you to be a more successful agent, friend and person during this magically frustrating time of year.

Romanus Wolter is an author and success coach. He can be contacted through his website http://www.kickstartguy.com or at Romanus@kickstartguy.com.

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