The 90-Second Emotional Check to Prevent Your Year-End Mistakes

Successful leaders use this very simple emotional check to avoid rushed decisions, tense meetings, and burnout, especially during the last week of the year.

Author

Glenda Carnate
December 22, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

You’re not falling behind. You’re just working under pressure, and that can cloud your judgment.

In the final week of the year, calendars fill up, Slack gets busy, and everyone is focused on finishing tasks. Meetings can feel tense, messages may be misunderstood, and small decisions sometimes cause unnecessary friction.

There may be nothing technically wrong, but the mood in the room can still cause problems. That’s often what leads to issues.

Here’s how to do an Emotional Temperature check:

Use this check before meetings, sending messages, or making decisions, especially at this time of year.

1. Am I feeling steady right now?

If not, take a moment to pause. When you’re unsettled, others can pick up on it quickly.

2. Is what I’m about to say actually helpful?

If it doesn’t clarify or help move work forward, consider holding back.

3. Am I just letting off steam, or am I making a real decision?

It’s up to you to manage your own stress and to take responsibility for your decisions.

4. Did I help set a positive tone at the start?

The first few minutes often shape the rest of the meeting.

5. Did I make at least one clear decision today?

It’s better to make no decision than to make the wrong one.

6. Did I cut out anything that wasn’t needed?

When there’s less noise, you can make more progress.

7. Do people feel clearer after we talk?

If not, that’s a sign you have room to grow as a leader.

💡Key Takeaway: 

Being clear is an integral part of good leadership, and staying calm is one of the most valuable skills. As the year ends, focus on showing up well instead of just doing more.

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