I've found that Hashem throws a couple of trials at people during this time, often a watered-down version of trials they've previously failed.
If you're aware (and I wasn't until the past several years), you can identify a trial during this time period as a repeat of a challenge you've failed before.
So if you can identify it, you can also assume that whatever the trial is, it'll likely end with the end of Sukkot (no promises, though).
Therefore, if your usual response to that particular trial is, for example, an outburst of lashon hara or of raging temper, a drink or a sedative (legal or not), sarcasm, secular music or movies, scarfing down fat-laden carbs, or anything else that indulges subpar behavior, then this is your last chance to get it right.
Or to at least get it less wrong.
I've been going through it myself now and it has been up-and-down.
Sometimes, you don't even know what the better behavior is. How EXACTLY are you supposed to handle it?
Saying, "Thanks, Hashem" or "Gam zu l'tovah -- this too is for the best" is always a good fallback position, even when it feels like that's not enough.
So I've lost some, but also won some.
And that's how it goes.
For tzaddikim, it's different. They've done their work & now they're the Holy Winners.
But for the rest of us, it entails falling to the ground with a thud, then struggle to get back on your feet again.
So as long as you're not letting yourself remain sprawled face-down in the dust, then you're probably doing all right -- even if you feel like you aren't.
May we all merit a sweetening of the final verdict!