Stop. Start. Keep. A simple reset for 2026.
As we step into a new year, most businesses are busy planning more.
More goals.
More initiatives.
More noise.
But progress often comes from clarity, not complexity.
That’s where the Stop / Start / Keep framework comes in.
▶️ START
What should you begin doing that actually moves the needle?
Ask yourself:
- What would create real value for our customers?
- What are customers already asking for?
- Where could we improve speed, quality or efficiency?
Growth usually comes from doing fewer things — better.
⛔ STOP
This is where the quickest wins live.
Ask:
- What are we doing that adds little or no value?
- What drains time, energy or attention?
- Where are we fixing the same problems again and again?
- What are customers frustrated by?
If it doesn’t serve the customer or the business, it’s worth letting go.
✅ KEEP
Protect what’s working.
Ask:
- What do customers genuinely value?
- What consistently delivers results?
- What works well in one part of the business that could work elsewhere?
Too many businesses break what’s already working.
What next?
Prioritise your list in two ways (with 1 being the most important):
- Importance – what matters most?
- Ease – what’s simplest to implement?
Add the scores together.
The lowest number becomes your first move.
Simple. Focused. Effective.
If you want 2026 to be a year of clarity, momentum and better decisions — this is a powerful place to start.
👉 What’s one thing your business should stop, start, or keep this year?
Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.
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Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052
