We are entering the stretch drive of 2018, and for me — and maybe you, too — it’s been a bumpy ride. Sometimes it felt like every step forward I made I was actually moving two steps backward. I’ve managed to clear a few hurdles, while others blindsided me. In spite of the many ups and downs, I plan on finishing the year strong.

I know you want your small business to finish strong, too. So with a few months left to make a difference, ask yourself a few key questions. How are you doing on accomplishing your goals for the year? Were you a risk-taker or did you remain in your comfort zone? Or are you about where you were at this point last year? Think about both the business and your personal life.

If you’re on track to reaching your goals for revenue, new customers, and adding new equipment, services, or employees, then congratulations! If you’re not there yet, it’s never too late to redouble your efforts. Here are my seven steps to finish out the year on a positive note:

1. Set goals

It’s never too late to set new goals. Write them down. If you don’t set goals, you will be drifting aimlessly to wherever the winds take you. You must form a plan. Eradicate time wasters. Take risks. Have a clear road map to avoid going around in circles and to ensure you reach your destination in the most efficient and effective manner.

2. Run you own race

Gauge the course, and set your own pace. Maybe it’s time for you to redefine success. Don’t look to the left or right to see how others are doing. Look straight ahead to the finish line. Focus on beating your personal best. Sometimes it may appear others are progressing faster than you. Don’t worry about others. There is a season and time for everything. Have patience. Don’t fret over things you can’t control. Even if you fail, remember it’s not the end of the world. Tomorrow is another day, so pick yourself up and head back to the drawing board.

3. Focus on your skills and talents

Embrace your distinctiveness. Learn from others, but don’t try to imitate them. You will be a poor replica. Find your gift. What is your core purpose? What is it that no one else can do better? Allow your reason for being here to lead you to do the amazing things you were destined to do. Focus on your strengths and work on improving your weaknesses. Always seek personal development (spiritual, emotional, mental, social and physical).

4. Be positive

Stop doubting yourself. Replace negative thoughts of inadequacy with positive affirmations. Changing your perspective on difficult situations will lead you to a more successful life. Keep on smiling. Happiness increases your focus and fuels your passion. Forget the naysayers. You will face many obstacles along the path including fear, failure, rejection, financial woes, fatigue, loneliness and despair. You may get disappointed, but don’t be discouraged. Press on with increased fervency. It may be rainy right now, but just remember the sun is shining above the clouds. Keep moving forward one step at a time; slowly but surely, you will get there.

5. Form strategic partnerships

Work as a team. Find a mentor or coach. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, you may still need a coach to achieve your full potential. Look for opportunities others may overlook. Seek out those who have traveled the path before, and align yourself with those whose skills complement yours. Surround yourself with the leaders in your field — those who will champion you and encourage you to keep running.

6. Work hard

Train hard. There are no shortcuts in life. These all lead to dead ends. Success takes a huge commitment, and you will have to make the necessary sacrifices. How badly do you really want it? If I want something, I give it everything I’ve got. You cannot lose if you have done everything on your part. Be persistent. Stop procrastinating or wishing; start doing. Action fuels success. I try to do at least two activities a week that will push me closer to achieving my goals. Even if it’s a small step forward, it’s still a step forward.

7. Enjoy the journey

Life is not a 100-yard dash, but a long distance race. Prioritize, and remember to take time to stop and smell the roses. Take breaks. Spend time with those closest to you. Show them how much you appreciate them. Additionally, don’t wait for huge victories; celebrate small successes. Help others along the way. True success can be found in our quiet selfless service to others. In our quest for success, it’s the simple things we take for granted that really matters, like being a person of integrity, a good parent, a trusted friend.