Pause, Reflect & Reset
Why write this in December, at the end of a calendar year?
Because it’s a fitting time to pause, reflect, and reset—a practice I’ve seen resonate with leaders throughout 2024. In countless coaching conversations, we’ve explored themes of momentum, productivity, impact, mindset, and challenges. A consistent anchor in these discussions has been three simple yet powerful words: Pause, Reflect, Reset.
Let me break this down:
Pause
Stop. Take a moment. Breathe.
Hit the brakes and observe where you are emotionally and physically. Find a distraction-free space where you can think clearly and comfortably. Why pause? Because creating that space allows you to organize your thoughts, clear your mind, and reenergize. Before reacting, pausing gives you a chance to respond thoughtfully.
Reflect
Ask yourself:
What have I done well?
What should I stop doing?
What can I do more of?
What should I start doing?
Reflecting means recognizing and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. They’re yours, and they matter. Consider how you can build on your successes, and ask what you might have done differently to achieve better outcomes. Writing these reflections down can be especially powerful, giving you a resource to revisit whenever needed. And when you reflect, be honest—with yourself, above all.
Reset
A reset is an opportunity to realign with clarity, focus, and purpose. It’s a chance to redefine your goals—both short- and long-term—into something more realistic and achievable. But resetting isn’t only about targets; it can also help you rebalance priorities between work and life. Whether it’s your goals or your energy, a reset lets you recalibrate to what truly matters.
The Key to It All: Time
The most valuable resource you have is time. Choosing to pause, reflect, and reset as often as you need is entirely within your control. By intentionally carving out time for this process, you empower yourself to drive forward productive outcomes, actionable steps, and positive change.
Don’t wait until the end of the year. Make this a continuous practice—one that benefits you throughout.
