Pause, Pivot, and Propel: Reflecting for Leadership Growth

Each year is an invitation to pause and reflect – not just on the milestones you’ve achieved but on the evolution of who you are as a leader and an individual.

To help you reflect clearly, I’ve crafted six thought-provoking questions that delve into your professional and personal growth. Why? Because as I often remind my clients, “We live an integrated life.” Success in one domain feeds into another, and leveraging this synergy is the key to sustained growth.

Writing your reflections in a journal or digital document is a practice I highly recommend. Many of my executive clients revisit their insights annually, gaining powerful perspectives on their growth while recalibrating their focus. Personally, I find it inspiring to look back at my answers and realize how far I’ve come in just 12 months. Here are the six questions to guide your reflection:

1. What personal and professional accomplishments or milestones defined your year?

Take stock of the moments that shaped your year. Professionally, think of promotions, leading innovative projects, or building high-performing teams. On a personal level, reflect on what brought you joy – meaningful relationships, transformative experiences, memorable travels, or rewarding friendships.

Revisiting photos or past journal entries can help jog your memory. Ask yourself: What truly mattered? What brought me the most joy? These insights help you prioritize what to carry into the year ahead.

2. What challenges shaped your growth as a leader and individual?

Growth often emerges from adversity. Reflect on the challenges or losses you’ve faced – both professionally and personally. How did these experiences refine your leadership, mindset, or outlook on life?

Consider what you learned about resilience and handling high-pressure situations. These lessons often illuminate your strengths and areas for further growth.

3. What do you need to let go of?

It’s time to evaluate what’s holding you back. In my coaching practice, I often use 360-degree feedback to help clients uncover patterns or beliefs limiting their potential.

Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone. What habits, strategies, or beliefs no longer serve you? Letting go of these creates space for new opportunities to thrive.

4. What actions, steps, and habits could better align with your goals?

This question demands deep reflection. Perhaps it’s adopting a new leadership habit, prioritizing wellness, or investing in professional development.

Define what “starting anew” looks like for you. Outline actionable steps to bring about this change. Mentally visualize your transformation and start living your goals from day one to set the tone for your best year yet.

5. What aspects of your life do you need to sustain and further develop?

Identify the habits and strategies that fueled your success and fulfillment this past year.

Whether it’s a morning routine, nurturing professional relationships, or dedicating time to family, recognize these strengths and double down on them. Commit to keeping these practices at the core of your life.

6. What is one small but impactful step you can take today to set the tone for the year ahead?

Big changes start with small, deliberate actions. Choose one manageable yet meaningful step to create momentum. Take that step today to pave the way for a purposeful, successful year. Small victories accumulate into life-changing triumphs.

Reflecting on your year is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. It allows you to celebrate your wins, learn from challenges, and realign your goals as both a leader and an individual. This process strengthens your sense of purpose and lays the groundwork for intentional action in the year ahead.

Your growth as an executive is a lifelong journey. By pausing to reflect, you ensure that your next steps aren’t just forward but focused on what truly matters. Don’t let the pace of life rob you of the opportunity to grow. Pause, reevaluate, and act with intent to ensure that you’re not just moving forward – but moving forward with purpose.

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I help smart and successful senior executives to unlock the true potential of their corporate DNA? and drive extraordinary results.

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Contact me anytime to discuss your situation and how I can support you.