How I Audit My Business Every November

Every November, I do something that feels less like “goal setting” and more like soul setting.

Before the noise of new-year resolutions hits the timeline, I take a step back, open my notes app, and ask one question: What actually worked, and what just looked good on paper?

See, as founders, we’re constantly moving. Building, fixing, launching, tweaking. But somewhere between the client calls, the content planning, and the Canva tabs, we lose sight of whether what we’re doing still serves the business we’re trying to build.

So, this is how I slow down and audit my business, not just to stay organized, but to make sure I’m growing on purpose.

Step 1: Review the Numbers

(Without Letting Them Define You)

I start by looking at revenue, but I also look at where it came from.

Which offers performed best? Which ones felt draining even if they made money?

Because if a product brings in cash but costs your peace, it’s not scalable, it’s survival.

Numbers tell the truth, but context keeps you grounded. This step isn’t about shame or hype; it’s about clarity.

Step 2: Check the Systems That Keep Things Moving

December is my “systems spotlight.” I ask:

• What still works?

• What constantly breaks?

• What can AI help automate?

  
  

This is where I look at my tools, like my AI copy prompts, client workflows, and launch automations, and see what needs updating. Sometimes a small automation (like using AI to draft project emails or organize launch content) saves hours of chaos later.

The goal is to enter the new year with fewer moving parts, but more movement.

Step 3: Review Brand Alignment

I revisit my website, templates, and offers and ask: Does this still reflect who I’ve become?

Your brand grows as you do. Sometimes you’ve outgrown the words, visuals, or tone that used to work for you. That’s okay, evolution is a sign of alignment.

This is when I update my visuals, rewrite outdated copy, and refresh my client experience, so everything feels true to the current vision, not the last version.

Step 4: Revisit My Inner Founder

This part’s not on a spreadsheet. It’s on a heart level.

What drained me this year? What excited me? Where did I feel out of alignment with my calling or creative purpose?

This reflection tells you everything your metrics don’t. If something feels forced, that’s feedback. This is where I release what no longer fits, even if it once worked, and make space for what’s next.

Step 5: Set 3 Simple Focus Points for the New Year

Not goals. Focus points.

For example, last year mine were:

1. Simplify my offers.

2. Build systems that scale.

3. Protect creative time.

   
   

This year, I’ll add one more: integrate AI intentionally. Not to replace creativity, but to make room for it.

Final Thoughts

Your November audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

It’s not about fixing everything; it’s about facing what’s real.

When you slow down long enough to look at your numbers, your systems, and introspect, you start the new year lighter, clearer, and more confident in your direction.

So, before you build your next offer or chase another goal, take a pause. Ask yourself:

Is this still aligned with the business and the person I’m becoming?

That’s how you end the year with clarity, not chaos.