My 4th Quarter Comeback Playbook. That’s what I call the goals and plans I drafted for the final three months of 2026.

I am a college football fan, and even though it stresses me out when my team isn’t moving the ball down the field like I want them to, I must admit that I love the thrill of a 4th quarter comeback. A few weeks ago, I realized I needed a 4th quarter comeback of my own.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been blessed this year. I now have the job I’ve dreamed of since I was 15 years old. I had the chance to be in conversation with author Tayari Jones for her latest book tour. I’ve traveled and had lots of fun in my Magic City too. But between health issues, hard circumstances with my parents, and constantly feeling overwhelmed, this year has been hard and has left me feeling like I’m losing.

But am I?

If you feel like you’re losing, ask yourself why. While drafting my playbook, I realized that before making any more plays, I needed a mindset shift. If you feel like you need a 4th quarter comeback, maybe you need a mindset shift too.

Make a gratitude list. Stop comparing yourself to others. And stop telling yourself that you’re behind. Give yourself permission to travel your own path in your own way at your own pace. And give yourself grace.

But also, hold yourself accountable. Look at the plays you’re making on the field. Are you making moves that work against your goals and vision?

After working through a series of journal prompts, I realized that I felt like I was losing because I wasn’t being consistent in any area of my life. My word for the year is DEVOTION, but I haven’t been behaving as if I’m devoted to anything except getting the paper out every week. But all work and no play is no good.

Drafting my 4th quarter comeback playbook was easy because it simply meant getting clear on the routines I need to follow to live my best life, and I already had them sketched out in my journal!

I knew what my ideal week looked like: one that lets me excel in my role as editor of the Birmingham Times, grow See Jane Write, and prioritize self-care, serving my community, and staying connected to close family and friends. I knew what morning routine would help me move through the day feeling well connected to my God, my goals, and to myself. I knew what nighttime routine would set me up for success the next day.

BUT I WASN’T STICKING TO THE PLAN.

But why tho?

I lacked consistency because I lacked devotion. But I took myself to the locker room, gave myself a Nick Saban-style pep talk and now I’m ready to get back in the game.

Fall Reset Journaling Prompts

Here are the journaling prompts that are helping me with my fall reset:

  • How do you feel about how the year has gone so far and where you are now with your goals and overall vision? Why do you feel this way?
  • What in your writing life needs to make a comeback this quarter? What in your personal life needs to make a comeback this quarter?
  • What do you want to have accomplished by the end of the year? Who do you want to be or, better yet, how can you be at peace with who you already are?
  • What habits and routines do you need to establish to be the woman you want to be and/or to achieve the goals you hope to accomplish?
  • What mindset or attitude shift will help you stick to the plan?

My playbook, in case you’re interested, consists of the following:

The Vision – a photocopy of a page from my journal after I did some scripting about what I want the final quarter of the year to look like

The Goals – specific and measurable goals for the quarter based on the vision

The Plan – an outline of the routines and schedules I need to follow to accomplish my goals

I also included my fall bucket list – a list of fun things I want to do this season because, again, all work and no play is no good!

On Sunday at 2 p.m. CT. I’m hosting a 4th quarter goal-setting session for See Jane Write Collective members, and I’m going to help you draft a 4th Quarter Comeback Playbook or your own. (Or if you feel like you’re already winning this year, I’ll show you how to maintain that momentum.) If you want to be in the Zoom room, all you have to do is join the Collective. And in honor of See Jane Write’s half birthday, you can get half off our annual membership plan with the code HALFBDAY. Sign up here.

Let’s go, team!