Half Way There

Back in March, we did a reflection on the first quarter of the year. Now that we’re approaching the end of Q2, it’s time to evaluate the first half of 2025. 

If you read the article, Quarterly Contemplation, and followed the final prompt to set goals for the following three months, pull those out. Did you achieve them? If so, what behaviors helped you? What got in the way? What could you tweak? If you have not reached your Q1 goals yet, how are they coming?

Last week, we talked about measuring success. I received feedback asking how you can shift your mindset when you are in the habit of comparing yourself to others. So, let’s focus on that for our end of Q2 reflection. These questions are meant to keep you anchored in what you can control: your choices, your mindset, and your direction.

Am I living up to my values?

It’s easy to get distracted by other people’s milestones, but their path may have nothing to do with what matters to you. Maybe you value creativity, but you’re comparing yourself to someone who’s climbing the management ladder. Different values, different paths.

For Example: Let’s say you’re in a marketing role and someone else on your team is great at landing speaking gigs. Before you start thinking, “I should be doing that,” ask yourself: “Is that the kind of contribution I want to make?” Maybe you care more about solving tough messaging problems or mentoring newer teammates. Write down your top three values related to work. For Q3, what happens when you align your daily tasks with them?

Do I know what my purpose is?

Purpose doesn’t have to mean saving the world. It can be as simple as learning your craft, building relationships, or getting better at delegation. The key is knowing what your work is building.

For Example: Let’s say you’re a project manager. Right now, your purpose might be building a track record of reliable delivery. That way, when bigger projects open up, you’re the obvious choice. Purpose creates direction and it helps you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. Finish this sentence: “The purpose of my work right now is…” For Q3, what happens when you keep that sentence somewhere visible when you’re feeling distracted?

What’s my potential if I keep showing up?

It’s easy to get frustrated when success feels slow, but what could your job look like in six months if you stay consistent?

For Example: Think about a junior software developer learning a new coding language. Comparing yourself to a senior engineer won’t help but practicing every day will. The gap between where you are and where you want to be closes through daily effort, not overnight wins. For Q3, what if you strive for 1% improvement every day?

Does my behavior match the future I want?

Want to lead a team one day? Are you acting like someone who’s ready to lead? Want to be known as a problem-solver? Are you tackling problems, or waiting for someone else to handle them?

For Example: Let’s say you work in operations and your long-term goal is to move into leadership. Your future is shaped by today’s actions not by what someone else is doing. For Q3, what happens when you volunteer for cross-team projects? Offer solutions in meetings? Take ownership when things go sideways?

What are some questions you think we should ponder here at the end of Q2? Please share in the comments.