We’re standing at the midpoint in the year—the summer stretched out in front of us. By June, most leaders I work with have been sprinting hard for months. Meetings pile up. Priorities multiply. Tasks get checked off—and new ones fill their place just as quickly. And yet, beneath all that activity, a nagging question could be whispering:
Am I still headed where I want to go?
It’s a deceptively simple question. In the swirl of busy schedules, it rarely gets asked and if it does, it’s easy to give it a quick “yes”, as we run from one task to the other. We’re moving, but are we moving in the right direction?
Why Pausing Now is Powerful
Mid-year is a natural checkpoint—a chance to step onto the metaphorical balcony and take stock – to really stop and get honest. Yet this kind of pause often feels optional, even indulgent. After all, there’s always another email to answer or decision to make.
But here’s the reality:
Reflection isn’t a luxury. It’s a leadership practice.
By pausing, with intention, we notice what the daily rush obscures:
- What’s shifted—in my priorities, my team, or my business landscape?
- Am I spending my time in a way that reflects my priorities?
- Where have I made meaningful progress that deserves to be acknowledged?
- What might I be failing to see that is important for me to see?
- Where might small adjustments now prevent bigger course corrections later?
Pausing allows you to catch what you might otherwise miss—before it becomes a problem, or an opportunity lost.
Make It Real.
This isn’t about staging a forced “check-in” to feel productive. It’s about creating meaningful space to assess and refocus. You’re not measuring your worth as a leader—you’re giving yourself permission to lead with clarity.
Build Reflection into a Busy Schedule
You don’t need a full day to do this (though that’s great if you can make it happen). Even 30–60 minutes of intentional reflection can have a powerful impact.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Block the Time
Protect a small window on your calendar—call it “Mid-Year Reset” if that helps. - Ask Centering Questions
- What’s working better than expected?
- What’s draining more time or energy than it should?
- What key outcomes matter most between now and year-end?
- Where does my leadership need to grow to meet what’s ahead?
- Invite Perspective
Ask a trusted peer, coach, mentor, or friend to reflect with you. Often, a few thoughtful prompts from someone outside the daily grind unlocks valuable insight. - Document Small Adjustments
You don’t need a full strategic overhaul. Often, a few small recalibrations—delegating differently, reordering priorities, resetting expectations—creates impact.
Apply This to Your Team and Reframing Mid-Year Performance Reviews
Many organizations are entering into the mid-year performance review cycles right about now. Unfortunately, these conversations can feel like one more box to check in an already busy workload. How can you reframe these conversations to get more value from them for you and for your team?
You can transform these discussions into energizing touchpoints that serve both the work and the people doing it. A meaningful mid-year review can:
- Ensure clarity on shifting priorities and goals.
- Strengthen relationships by demonstrating genuine care and attention.
- Spot development opportunities to support growth.
- Reinforce progress already made—and name what success looks like ahead.
When done well, these conversations signal to your team that you care and are there to support their work. That kind of leadership builds trust, engagement, and forward momentum.
The Takeaway
Pausing takes courage. In the thick of mid-year demands, it can feel counterintuitive to slow down. But that’s exactly why it matters.
Reflection creates clarity. Clarity fuels confidence. And confidence allows you—and your team—to finish the year stronger, more focused, and more fulfilled.
So go ahead.
Step onto the balcony.
Breathe.
Look around.
Take stock.
Adjust.
And lead forward for the rest of the year — on purpose.
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