As we wrap up 2025, I want to invite you to pause before you jump into goal setting, business planning, or strategy for 2026. In this episode of How to Grow My Small Business, we’re talking about the one thing you need to do before planning for next year—and it has nothing to do with sales funnels, marketing statistics, or even your client work. If you’re a small business owner, Christian entrepreneur, or faith-led leader who feels: discouraged about how this year went unsure whether it was a “good year” or a “bad year” stuck replaying mistakes, missed goals, or stress ready for growth but emotionally exhausted This episode is for you. I walk you through why our brains are wired to remember the hard things more than the good, how that affects how we evaluate our business and our lives, and how one simple reflection exercise can completely change how you remember this year—and how you plan the next one. In this episode, we cover: Why your brain remembers stress, mistakes, and fear more than wins The science behind negative memory bias and how it impacts entrepreneurs How faith and awareness help reframe how we evaluate our business year The one exercise you should do before setting business goals for 2026 Why reviewing your photos and calendar can shift your mindset instantly How false narratives (like “I didn’t do enough”) quietly sabotage confidence Why reflection should come before goal setting and strategic planning How to ask God what He wants for your business in the next season Faith-based encouragement for business owners coming out of a hard year Who this episode is for: Christian entrepreneurs and faith-led business owners Small business owners reflecting on the end of the year Entrepreneurs planning goals for 2026 Business owners struggling with burnout, discouragement, or comparison Leaders who want to grow their business without losing perspective or peace Key takeaway: Before you plan what’s next, take time to remember what actually happened. Your brain won’t automatically remember the good—you have to lead it there on purpose. This one step may completely change how you view 2025 and how you move into 2026. About the podcast: How to Grow My Small Business is a podcast for small business owners who want practical sales strategy, sustainable business growth, and faith-based encouragement without hustle culture. Hosted by Lindsay Fletcher, business growth strategist and sales coach, the show covers: sales and follow-up strategies lead generation for small businesses faith-based business growth integrating faith in business mindset, time management, and leadership building a business with Jesus at the center Biblical business strategies Christian entrepreneurship growing a sustainable business If this episode encouraged you, make sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss the final episode of 2025 and what’s coming next. Let’s stay connected: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow small business owner who needs encouragement heading into the new year. And remember:You are not behind.You are not failing.And there was more good in this year than your brain is letting you remember.   🎧 Listen to Episode 98 now and take this one step before planning 2026.   TIME STAMPS: Episode 98 – One Thing You Must Do Before Planning 2026 0:00–1:00 – Welcome, episode 98 celebration, faith-based business encouragement 1:01–2:10 – End-of-year reflection question: How was this year really? 2:11–4:30 – Why our brains remember the bad more than the good (science + survival) 4:31–6:20 – The danger of letting your brain define the story of your year 6:21–7:30 – The ONE thing to do before planning for 2026 7:31–11:30 – Lindsay walks through personal 2025 memories (family, business, faith) 11:31–12:40 – Challenging the false narratives we carry about ourselves 12:41–14:10 – Why reflection must come before goal-setting 14:11–15