A Note From Me

When I started Overcompensated, it was because I was watching too many people (myself included at times) chase success without ever asking: what does it look like to be rich in compensation and richer in life?

We’ve been taught to measure ourselves by numbers on a spreadsheet, titles on LinkedIn, and milestones that sound good in a holiday card. But the truth is — none of that matters if you’re burnt out, uninspired, or disconnected from what you really want.

That’s why I’m kicking off a Q4 Lock-In Series. For the next 14 weeks, every Tuesday, you’ll get a playbook for finishing this year strong and building momentum for 2026. Think of it as a mix of strategy, mindset, and balance — the exact ingredients I’ve used to build top-performing teams, launch businesses, and create a life I don’t need to escape from.

Why Q4 is Your Secret Weapon

Most people coast into Q4. They treat it like a waiting room for January — scrolling through holiday sales, checking out of goals, telling themselves they’ll “start fresh in the new year.”

But the ones who actually get ahead know Q4 is a gift.

For business owners, Q4 means budgets that need to be spent before year-end. Bigger contracts. Faster deals. For creators, this is when brands will pay more to wrap up campaigns. And for individuals? Q4 is the perfect moment to get serious about your finances and lifestyle — to stop avoiding the numbers and start taking control of them.

If you wait until January, you’re already behind.

The Myth of “New Year, New Me”

January gets all the hype. But let’s be real: how many resolutions last past February? Most people start with the crowd and then disappear with the crowd.

Starting in Q4 means you’re already moving when everyone else is revving up. It means your 2026 self doesn’t have to play catch-up — because you gave them a head start.

How to Actually Lock In

Locking in isn’t about doing more. It’s about focusing better.

Here’s my framework:

• Career/Business: Secure one high-value win — whether that’s pitching a dream client, renegotiating your contract, or finally publishing the portfolio you’ve been putting off.

• Finance: Audit your year. Where did your money actually go? Where does it need to go to set you up for freedom in 2026?

• Wellness: No wealth matters without health. Add a ritual that supports the body and mind you want to carry into next year.

The richest people I know aren’t the busiest. They’re the clearest.

Why Early Movers Win

Momentum is your unfair advantage. By the time January rolls around, you’ll already have 90 days of progress in the bank.

And here’s the secret: momentum compounds. When you start earlier, you don’t just get a head start. You get more energy, more confidence, more results — the kind of results that make people ask, “How are you doing all this?”

Closing Note

This is just the beginning. Over the next 13 Tuesdays, we’ll talk about momentum, habits, gratitude, balance, and reflection — everything you need to not just finish strong but build the foundation for your dream 2026 life and career.

Because we’re not here just to collect paychecks. We’re here to design lives. Rich in compensation, richer in life.

Alexis Matthews