With only a few weeks to run until the end of the year, for many business leaders, it’s starting to feel like the bottom of the (never-ending) 9th!

It’s also about this time your focus on winning the game shifts to a focus of just finishing the game, win or lose. And in one of those moments, a very long time ago, I developed a simple process that I follow to make sure I am in check with my game, and remain focused on the prize.

So If you are feeling a little tired, burnt-out, or just not sure how to keep on pitching until the end of the year – here are 9 steps to get through the bottom of the 9th.

Step 1 - Face your fear

When we are tired or frustrated, we tend to focus on problems, things we start to convince ourselves we can’t fix, rather than focusing on those we can. Look introspectively at what is stopping you. Once you’ve identified that, stop being afraid of it getting in your way.

Step 2 - Find time to ‘practice’

What can you do to be a better you, and what are some of the habits you have to make, and break. When we are busy we are focused on what is right in front of us not what will make us better tomorrow than we are today – we forget to ‘practice’.

Step 3 – Remove the drama

And remove the people in your life that are causing drama. Drama only serves to suck your time, and right now, you need that time for you. Focus on the fans, not the critics.

Step 4 – Check in on your personal game plan and vision

Remind yourself of what you wanted to achieve this year, and reset the game plan if necessary. If you have clarity of your personal plan and vision first, then you will rekindle the passion to put your business to work for you, and you not work for it.

Step 5 - Surround yourself with a team of people who ‘get it’

Find self-aware people, that are present, and that care about you and yours. These people will remind you that you can achieve your goals this year, and they will be beside you every step of the way.

Step 6 - Compartmentalize your day

As business leaders we are all utility players, The routine of compartmentalization helps give you clarity of what position you should be playing on the field, at what time, for what purpose, and for what outcome. So you can be more efficient and effective in the game.

Step 7 - Find your 30

No matter how busy I am I find 30 minutes of quiet time a day for me to just be still. This is my time to write the playbook for the next day. Some of my most creative ideas come from this time of my day. And some of the most obvious game plans appear in front of me when my mind is open and clear.

Step 8 – Remind yourself, it’s only a game

Cast your mind back to why you are doing this. Playing catch in the backyard was fun, just as the playoffs should be fun. Business should be fun. Make it a game, everyday.

Step 9 - Go back to step one, and repeat!