For a long time it felt like I was living on autopilot.
I was doing a lot, always busy, always moving, but each year rolled into the next and looked virtually the same as the last.
I had different titles and different responsibilities.
But the way I showed up? The patterns? The pressure I put on myself?
Exactly the same.
I was chasing perfection, I was constantly trying to prove myself and I was committed to keeping everyone else happy and impressed.
I remember hearing Natalie Ellis (founder of Bossbabe) describe her early career and business journey, and she said during that time “I was a busy idiot”.
I remember thinking, “yep…same”.
Because that was me too, saying yes to everything, taking too much on, trying to prove myself in every direction.
And yet, somehow, still feeling like I wasn’t getting closer to the life I actually wanted.
She went on to say that it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing more of the things that are actually going to move the needle, and less of the things that have minimal impact.
That raised a couple of questions for me:
- How do we know which things actually move the needle?
- How do we know what has minimal impact?
- Also, move the needle…towards what?
The answer to the last one is: the life you really want.
This is where so many of us get stuck, because we try to separate our work goals from our personal goals. But life doesn’t work like that. We’re one person living our whole life, we can’t compartmentalise such large parts of it. The things we choose to invest our energy in affect all of it.
That’s why I work with clients to build a clear vision for the future they actually want, not just the one they think they “should” aim for.
It goes beyond:
“I want to become a [insert fancy title]”
It’s more like:
“I’m in a role where I can genuinely influence the direction of the business. I spend quality time with my kids in the evenings and weekends. We travel twice a year. My husband and I communicate openly and support each other’s goals. I feel present and purposeful in the way I live”.
Can you see how that kind of description gives you clarity on what you’re working towards? It then becomes obvious what supports it and what doesn’t.
From there, you can break it down into practical goals based on where you are now and what needs to shift.
And this is where reflection becomes essential.
When you reflect regularly, you start to see where your energy actually went and whether it’s been moving you closer to your goals or further away. Reflection is key to living life with intention.
Without reflection, we end up moving through the year reactively. My coach used this analogy recently and it made me laugh: “moving around like one of those Roomba vacuum cleaners, bumping into walls, redirecting and then bumping into something else”.
Even more importantly, without reflection, you can unintentionally let other people’s priorities take over your time and capability, with very little regard for what you want.
Reflection is how you interrupt that slippery slops.
It’s how you make sure you’re directing the course of your career and life.
So, if you’ve been feeling like a “busy idiot”, or a Roomba vacuum cleaner bumping your way through the year, this week’s podcast episode will be helpful.
🎧 Why Reflection Matters More Than You Think: Stop Repeating the Same Year
You can listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
The end of the year is the perfect time to pause. At the end of this month a lot of businesses shut down, people take leave, there’s a natural sense of closure.
Use it.
Reflect on the year that has passed so you don’t bring the same patterns into the next. Recognise what worked, what didn’t and what you want more (or less) of next year.
Here’s to a reflective December that sets you up for a more aligned and fulfilling 2026.
– Nat
PS Here’s one simple reflection prompt to start with:
What did I do this year that I’m genuinely proud of? And what does that tell me about what I want more of next year?
PPS I don’t actually have one of those robot vacuum cleaners, if you’ve got one would you recommend it? I’m picturing it damaging my white skirtings and furniture so I’m hesitant…
