5 questions to help you reflect and refocus
Read time: 5 minutes
We’re now firmly into the second half of the year – and yesterday was also my birthday! This week, I went on a retreat to Tenerife, Spain, to give myself something I almost never have: space to think, not just do.
I took the opportunity to press pause, zoom out, review where I am, reflect on the past six months, and ultimately optimise for the second half of the year.
I’ve learnt the hard way that even when life is fast-paced, it’s always worth taking a moment to stop, step back, and make sure you’re not running full speed in the wrong direction (…which I have done before!).
Here’s a framework I use to reflect and plan. I like to frame them as questions, as I find that asking the right ones unlocks clarity in a way that “advice” often can’t.
For each one, I’ve included a simple action to take right away.
1. Where did you create the most impact in H1?
It’s easy to go month to month without pausing to notice what actually worked. Often, the places we made big impact aren’t the flashy wins – perhaps it’s the time you helped someone make a key decision, or stayed steady during a really tough time.
For me, one of my most meaningful wins this year wasn’t flashy at all – it was following through on something I said I’d do, even when no one was watching.
Action: List your top 3 impact moments and what made them effective. How can you double down on those strengths in H2?
2. What felt most energising, and most draining?
I’ve started noticing how my body reacts to certain tasks before my brain catches on. Some things leave me feeling energetic; others leave me feeling like I need a nap (even if they took the same amount of time).
I’ve learnt not to ignore it. If you’re always exhausted at the end of the week, it’s worth wondering whether you’re spending your energy in the wrong places…
Action: Write down tasks that energise and tasks that drain. Once you see it on a page, it’s easier to double down on what energises, and do less of what doesn’t.
3. What goals did you set, and which ones still matter?
Goals change: some I set in January feel outdated now – not because they weren’t good, but because things have evolved and they no longer feel aligned. I actually think this is a sign of growth, rather than failure.
Whilst I was away, I asked myself: are these goals still true to what I want? Or do I need to edit them (or lose them altogether)?
Action: Review your goals from January. Note the ones that still feel meaningful, and let go of or revise the rest.
4. Where did you grow the most, and what did that growth cost?
Personal growth can be messy and often happens when you’re least aware. I’ve been going through a hard stretch recently, that has challenged how I manage my time and show up under pressure. Reflecting on it now, I can see the “muscle” it’s built – but it also took energy and wasn’t comfortable.
Action: Write down one area you’ve grown personally or professionally, and what it took to get there. What does it allow you to do next?
5. What do you want the second half of 2025 to feel like?
I’ve learnt that not everything has to be about metrics; it can also be about what kind of “season” you want next. If the first half of the year felt chaotic, maybe the next half needs to be more calm or focussed. If it felt a bit safe, maybe it’s time to take a risk. I find it helps to have a key word to define it.
Action: Choose one word for how you want H2 to feel, and use it as a filter for your decisions and priorities.
Wrapping up
A mid-year review doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It can be just 20 minutes with a notebook and a coffee – but I find the clarity it gives can change everything.
Hopefully this helps you step back, ask the right questions, and figure out how to show up with clarity and momentum for H2.
Hope that helps!
Speak soon,
Dupé
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