In this episode of The Career Report, Tim & Kristina Madden explain why waiting until January 1st to set career goals puts you behind before the new year even begins. They break down how top performers use December to get clear on what they want, sharpen their strategy, and position themselves for a strong start long before everyone else begins their “new year, new me” reset.

You’ll learn why goal-setting during the holiday season creates momentum, how early planning impacts job search success, and what small steps you can take right now to make January a launchpad instead of a starting line.

If you’re serious about landing a new role or leveling up your career in 2026, this episode will help you use December intentionally and get ahead of the crowd.