Busy Isn’t the Same as Profitable: A Year-End Business Reality Check
Sun Dec 21 2025
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As we head toward the end of the year, I wanted to do something a little different with this episode.
Instead of rushing straight into goal-setting, planning, and “new year, new energy” vibes, I wanted to create space to pause. To reflect. To actually look at what just happened in your business before you try to fix, change, or overhaul anything.
Because every year I see the same pattern.
We finish the year tired, relieved it’s over, and already thinking about what’s next. New goals, new plans, new strategies. And while I love that energy, what often gets skipped is reflection.
Not reflection to beat yourself up.
Not reflection to replay every mistake.
But reflection so you don’t carry the same patterns into a new year and expect different results.
In this episode, I walk you through the questions I think every product-based business owner needs to ask themselves. We talk about effort versus effectiveness, busy versus profitable, and why “fine” is not the same as sustainable.
I also share why looking at your numbers matters more than ever, how to review your time and energy honestly, and why enjoyment and creativity still need a seat at the table if you want a business you actually want to grow.
This episode is your permission slip to slow down, get curious, and reflect without pressure.
If you want support with this process, I’ve linked my free Business Review & Reset download here, along with a vision board exercise if you like planning visually. You’ll also find links to Transform Your Wholesale and Roadmap to Profit, depending on where you’re at in your business.
And if you’re already multi-six figures and thinking about what’s next, there’s a waitlist link here for a new next-level option I’m building for 2026.
I’m taking a short break from the podcast after this episode to reflect, refine, and build what’s next with intention. Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for growing alongside me.
Support the show
I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco
Grab my free training:
Your 90-Day Plan to a Profitable Product Business Without Relying On Social Media
From not enough sales to effortless abundance and creating consistent sales in your business with this roadmap.
Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions!
Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here.
Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/
Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.
Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).
Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.
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Send us a text As we head toward the end of the year, I wanted to do something a little different with this episode. Instead of rushing straight into goal-setting, planning, and “new year, new energy” vibes, I wanted to create space to pause. To reflect. To actually look at what just happened in your business before you try to fix, change, or overhaul anything. Because every year I see the same pattern. We finish the year tired, relieved it’s over, and already thinking about what’s next. New goals, new plans, new strategies. And while I love that energy, what often gets skipped is reflection. Not reflection to beat yourself up. Not reflection to replay every mistake. But reflection so you don’t carry the same patterns into a new year and expect different results. In this episode, I walk you through the questions I think every product-based business owner needs to ask themselves. We talk about effort versus effectiveness, busy versus profitable, and why “fine” is not the same as sustainable. I also share why looking at your numbers matters more than ever, how to review your time and energy honestly, and why enjoyment and creativity still need a seat at the table if you want a business you actually want to grow. This episode is your permission slip to slow down, get curious, and reflect without pressure. If you want support with this process, I’ve linked my free Business Review & Reset download here, along with a vision board exercise if you like planning visually. You’ll also find links to Transform Your Wholesale and Roadmap to Profit, depending on where you’re at in your business. And if you’re already multi-six figures and thinking about what’s next, there’s a waitlist link here for a new next-level option I’m building for 2026. I’m taking a short break from the podcast after this episode to reflect, refine, and build what’s next with intention. Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for growing alongside me. Support the show I'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco Grab my free training: Your 90-Day Plan to a Profitable Product Business Without Relying On Social Media From not enough sales to effortless abundance and creating consistent sales in your business with this roadmap. Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions! Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here. Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/ Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand. Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands). Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.