At this time of year, I intentionally take some time out each day to slow down. Not because there’s less to do (there never is) but because I know how important it is to stop, take stock, and reset.

For those of us with a lot of energy and a constant desire to make things happen, moving at Mach 10 all year round almost guarantees one destination: burnout.

I find that taking some intentional time each year to reflect is a wise use of my time, and autumn is the perfect time. 

Already my scribbles in my notebook have proven fruitful. One important lesson I learned a few years ago from someone I admire was that in order to truly succeed you need to “focus on sending one rocket to the moon, not flying 10 kites in your back garden”. 

It’s made me realise that I’ve said yes to a few too many things over the past year - all brilliant, meaningful, and important - but still distractions from the big things that truly matter to me right now.

Having this clarity, means that I can go back to the drawing board, realign and start saying ‘no’ to the things that are no longer serving me, and taking positive action towards the things that do. 

Maybe it’s time for your reflection and realignment season too

I’ve learned that without moments like this, it’s easy to drift off your personal path. To keep saying yes to things that look impressive on paper, or to your friends and colleagues, but don’t align with what you want in reality.

Reflection helps me check back in with myself. To remember why I started. To make sure the work I’m doing still aligns with my values, goals, and the kind of life I actually want to live.

Why reflection matters

Reflection isn’t about overthinking, it’s about awareness. It gives you the perspective you can’t get when you’re caught up in motion, which, by the way, is daily life!

For me this looks like scribbling every day in my notebook. I take time to look back on what’s gone well, what hasn’t, what I’ve learned along the way and then start thinking about what I want next. 

I ask myself questions like:

• Where have I made the most meaningful progress this year? 
• Have I achieved what I set out to?
• What drained my energy, or what didn’t go so well?
• What gave me energy, or what went well?
• What do I want to achieve next year?
• How might I go about it differently?
  
  

The value of feedback

Another key part of this process for me is asking for feedback.

As much as reflection is internal, external perspectives matter too. Sometimes the people around us - mentors, peers, friends and family - can see things we can’t.

My wonderful partner Jem is my go-to person for honest feedback. He’s my cheerleader in everything I do, and I value his perspective as we build this wonderful life together. I also know that sometimes I can be distracted, or work too long and too hard - which is exactly why his feedback matters most. 

I have also loved getting feedback over the past few months about my online course, and can’t wait to make some changes in the new year to better suit the people I aim to serve. 

Progress, not perfection

When I sit down to review my year, I look at my goals, but I don’t beat myself up if I haven’t achieved them all. My aim is always to make progress in the right areas, and in the right way. 

Some goals move forward, others change shape, and a few fall away completely. That’s growth. The aim isn’t perfection, it’s progress in the right direction.

Creating your own reflection ritual

It doesn’t need to take hours. Over the years I’ve found what works best for me - 20 minutes or so each morning through autumn, a pen and a notebook, and no distractions.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Block some time each day to think, walk, or journal for the next month or two
   
• Write down what’s worked well this year, what hasn’t, and what surprised you
   
• Ask a trusted friend or colleague what they’ve noticed about your growth this year
   
• Review your goals and think about what you want to achieve in your life, then start thinking what would be achievable in the year ahead
  
  

Reflection helps you pause with purpose, so you can move forward with clarity.

Already I am excited about the things I am planning for next year. It will mean saying goodbye to some things, re-launching others and knuckling down to make progress. I know that it will be worth it. 

This season of reflection always sparks new energy and ideas. Next week, I’ll share more of my insights - and exactly how I plan to make 2026 my best year yet.

Enjoy your quiet time.

Always with love,
Elsa x