As the financial year edges closer to its end and the calendar year hits its halfway point, visionary leaders do something vital: they pause. Not to stop progress, but to accelerate it.
This is the perfect time of year to reflect on what has been accomplished, reset priorities based on what truly matters, and refocus energy on the goals that will have the most significant impact between now and December. It’s not just a performance strategy; it’s the mindset required to create what I call Unstoppable Velocity.
Why This Time of Year Matters
For many leaders, the pace of the first half of the year has been relentless, as they navigate market shifts, manage change, and motivate their teams. Yet momentum without direction leads to burnout, not breakthroughs.
The mid-year checkpoint offers something most leaders desperately need but rarely take, perspective.
Great leaders understand that reflection isn’t a luxury; it’s a leadership responsibility. It allows us to reconnect with our purpose, clarify our direction, and course-correct before the year gets away from us.
The Three Rs for Unstoppable Momentum
Here’s the framework I encourage leaders to adopt in Late June or Early July: Reflect, Reset, Refocus.
1. Reflect on What’s Working (and What Isn’t)
You can’t build momentum on false assumptions. So take stock:
- What’s one thing you’ve achieved in the past 90 days that you’re proud of?
- What did that achievement teach you about yourself?
- How are you really feeling right now, energised, exhausted, or somewhere in between?
This is not a time for judgment; it’s a time for honesty. Use your answers to reconnect with what fuels you.
2. Reset Your Priorities and Patterns
Now that you’ve reflected, ask yourself:
- What do I need to start doing in the next 90 days?
- What do I need to stop doing to move forward?
- What goal did I wish I’d already achieved, and what’s been getting in the way?
Often, it’s not capability but clutter that holds leaders back, mental clutter, calendar clutter, and clarity clutter. Resetting is about eliminating what no longer serves your success.
3. Refocus Using the HOW Formula
Once you’ve cleared the mental decks, you’re ready to refocus. My HOW Formula is a simple yet powerful way to do this. Answer these five questions:
- How do you want to feel in the next 90 days?
Choose from emotions like Inspired, Confident, Organised, Purposeful, and Relaxed. - What is the number one goal you need to achieve to feel that emotion?
Make it specific. Vague goals create vague outcomes. - Why is that goal so important to you?
Write down five reasons. This reconnects you with purpose. - Who can assist you in achieving your goal?
Momentum thrives on collaboration and accountability. - What are the next three best steps?
Immediate action builds belief. Belief builds velocity.
This activity isn’t just reflective — it’s transformative. It creates a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.
Activity: Your Mid-Year Momentum Checklist
Take 15 minutes this week to complete this guided reflection. You can print this out, write your answers, or gather your leadership team and do it together.
- What is one thing you have achieved this year?
✎ ___________________________________________
- What have you learned about yourself?
✎ ___________________________________________
- How are you feeling right now — mentally, emotionally, physically?
✎ ___________________________________________
- What do you need to start doing in the next 90 days?
✎ ___________________________________________
- What do you need to stop doing?
✎ ___________________________________________
- What is your driving emotion for the next 90 days?
☐ Inspired ☐ Organised ☐ Successful ☐ Purposeful
☐ Relaxed ☐ Respected ☐ Confident ☐ Happy
- What’s the ONE goal that will make you feel this emotion?
✎ ___________________________________________
- Why is this goal important to you? (Write 5 reasons)
- Who can assist you?
✎ ___________________________________________
- What are your next three action steps?
Final Thought – Don’t Just Finish Strong. Accelerate Forward.
The leaders who win in December are the ones who reset in July. This is your moment to shift gears, reclaim your clarity, and reignite your internal drive. The following 90 days can be your most productive yet if you lead yourself first.
If you or your leadership team would like help creating Unstoppable Velocity in the second half of the year, I’d love to partner with you.
Let’s Create Momentum Together
If you’d like to run a leadership reflection session, kick-start your next conference with a high-impact keynote, or implement the GoalDriver Framework across your team, I’m here to help.
Email: **@**********am.com | www.keithabraham.com
