Can you believe we’ve just ticked over into July — fresh into a new financial year and already halfway through 2025?

Whenever a date or phase ends and a new one begins, I think it’s a good time to pause and take stock. And if you’re in leadership — particularly in business, corporate, or education — chances are you’re doing that in some way already.

But I imagine the “stock take” will be about others, and about the key focuses, goals, and tasks of the business — not you. I’m also guessing it will be heavily geared toward what you haven’t done, rather than the wins you’ve had.

And this week, I want to remind you to stop, pause, and take a moment of positive reflection on YOUR first 6 months — before the next 6 sweep you up.

Yep, that’s right, I want you to think about the things you would like to acknowledge yourself for – your wins!

And there are two main reasons I want you to consider doing this:

1. It will help further build your confidence and self-trust
2. It will give you the energy and momentum you likely need for the next 6 months

And I know this to be true because it’s a practice I come back to regularly. In fact, last week I spent a couple of days in Sydney with a group of peers doing exactly this.

But I also know it’s not always easy to acknowledge yourself. And here’s why:

• Your inner critic might try to talk you out of it — “It’s arrogant.” “You’re full of yourself if you spend time focusing on the good things you’ve done.”
• You hold yourself to high standards — “If I focus on the wins, I might let myself off the hook or stop pushing for more.”
• It can feel a bit awkward —We’re not used to doing it. It’s not something many of us were taught to prioritise.
• And of course, there’s the story that “I don’t have time” —It doesn’t feel urgent, and it is not really that important.

But if you don’t make the time, you’re selling yourself short. You’re missing an opportunity to boost your confidence and give yourself the energy you need to keep going.

You can absolutely reflect on what needs work later — but start with what you want to acknowledge.

And if I haven’t convinced you yet, science might give you a nudge.

Neuroscience shows us that this kind of reflection isn’t just a nice idea — it actually changes the way your brain works!

When you choose to focus on your progress and growth, you’re engaging in what’s called self-directed neuroplasticity (that is seriously a mouthful). This means you’re actively rewiring your brain to become more resilient, optimistic and confident.

And when you acknowledge yourself, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s natural calming response). It lowers cortisol (your stress hormone), helps you regulate emotions, and gives you access to clearer thinking — all essential when you’re leading under pressure, which let’s face it, we spend most of our time in.

So whether it’s 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20, I encourage you to ask yourself:

“What can I acknowledge myself for from these first 6 months?”

And why not also think about what you’d like to be acknowledging yourself for in another 6 months’ time?

I trust this has been helpful in some way, shape or form.

Until next week, be well and lead well!

Kylie