The Four Quarters Method: How to Win Your Day Even When It Starts Badly

You slept through your alarm, skipped your morning workout, rushed out the door, had a meeting that didn't go as well as you hoped, and by 11am you've decided the day is ruined.

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But just because you got off to a bad start doesn't mean all is lost, or that you have to wait until tomorrow to have the perfect, productive, habit-filled day.

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What you do after the initial setback is what matters. Instead of treating your day as one block that's either "good" or "bad," think of it in four quarters (morning, midday, afternoon, evening). If you have a terrible first quarter, you don't have to forfeit the match - you take a break to reset and come back stronger in the second. One bad morning means you still have three more quarters to turn things around.

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This week on the blog, I'm breaking down how to reset between quarters, why what you do next matters more than what you did last, and how this simple mindset shift builds resilience and helps you make every day a win.

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Join us at our upcoming events to make meaningful connections with the Peer Suite community and learn from inspirational women leading the way in work and business.

Peer Suite Members' Events Coming Soon

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I am working on some exciting events for our members, including a Wellness Workshop & Networking Evening, a Financial Wellness Themed Supper Club and a Networking Morning at Kensington Roof Gardens.

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To receive invitations to these and other Members' events, I'd love for you to explore Peer Suite membership.

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💷 FINANCIAL LITERACY 39% of UK adults don't feel confident managing money, with women scoring lower than men on financial literacy tests. New financial education platforms specifically for women are closing this gap - apps like Frich (by women, for women in their 20s) make investing and budgeting actually accessible. Keep an eye on our events page for our financial literacy-themed Supper Club event coming soon.

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🔄 CAREER TRANSITIONS Companies are finally shifting from hiring based on what you've done to what you can do. This is massive for career changers - 61% of women are planning major career shifts, and employers are increasingly recognising that transferable skills matter more than linear CVs. Your "irrelevant" experience might be your biggest asset. We'd love for you to join our Pivoting With Purpose event in December for more on career transitions.

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💼 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT You are not alone if you sometimes experience imposter syndrome - 43% of senior executives struggle with it too, making them hesitant to speak up or fully engage in high-level discussions. The most successful leaders are mastering skills like strategic communication and cross-functional influence to combat it.​

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🇬🇧 WELLNESS London's first Six Senses hotel has landed in Queensway with a spa that's redefining urban wellness. Think cryotherapy, flotation therapy, a biohack recovery lounge, and a 20-metre pool - all housed in the restored art deco Whiteleys building.

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🧠 PRODUCTIVITY Research shows that allowing yourself to be bored (without reaching for your phone) boosts creativity, problem-solving, and self-reflection. In a world obsessed with productivity hacks, doing nothing might be the most productive thing you can do. Watch neuroscientist Dr. Alok Kanojia explain why your brain needs boredom.

We've added some excellent new resources to help you close out the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2026.

📋 Year-End Career Audit Workbook

Reflect on your career year with 10 essential questions covering wins, challenges, skill development, and goal progression. This workbook helps you identify what worked, what didn't, and what you want to change - with a clear action framework to turn your insights into tangible next steps. Access workbook here →​

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🎯 Own Your Year-End Review Workshop

Your year-end review is your opportunity to get the recognition, promotion, or pay rise you deserve. Rebecca van Dijk walks you through how to document achievements that show real impact, advocate for what you want, and position yourself strategically. Includes a comprehensive workbook with templates and a 4-week action plan. Watch workshop here →​

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✉️ Workplace Communication Templates​
Your complete guide to workplace communication. From requesting feedback to setting boundaries, this collection includes ready-to-customise templates with multiple tone options, real examples, and tips for making each email authentically yours. Access templates here →​

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🧠 Gut Health & Stress Workshop​
Feel wired but tired? Registered Nutritional Therapist Pippa Groves unpacks the gut-brain connection and its impact on your energy, focus, and productivity. Learn science-backed strategies to break the stress-bloating cycle and build your personalised Stress Resilience Toolkit with habits you can implement immediately. Watch workshop here →​

Whether you're preparing for your year-end review, planning your next career move, or simply giving yourself permission to rest and reset between quarters - I hope this week's resources support you in finishing 2025 strong. And if you'd like to do that alongside other ambitious women, I'd love to see you at our upcoming events!

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Until next week,

Rebecca x

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