Is Your Work Still Energising You? Why Every Business Leader Needs to Reflect and Reset

How Reflecting on the Past Six Months Can Help You Build a More Purposeful and Impactful Business

At the end of each half year, my business group and I come together for our weekly session with our coach to reflect on what's working, what's changed and where we're heading next.

It's a valuable exercise because, as business owners, we're often so focused on what's immediately in front of us that we rarely stop to ask whether we're still building the business we actually want.

During our recent review, my coach, Mia, acknowledged what had been a successful six months.

Revenue was strong. I was working two to three days a week in my business. I was spending time with my family, playing golf and enjoying a lifestyle that I'd intentionally created.

From the outside, everything looked exactly as it should.

Then she asked me one simple question.

"Is your work really lighting you up and energising you?"

It stopped me in my tracks.

Her follow-up question was even better.

"What's the challenge or project you're going to set yourself for the next six months?"

The truth was, I'd been cruising.

Not because I'd become complacent, but because I'd chosen to.

After years of building my business, I wanted time to consolidate what I'd created. I wanted to test different service offerings, refine my processes and gain confidence in what was genuinely creating value for my clients.

Sometimes stability is exactly what we need before the next stage of growth.

Looking back now, that period gave me enormous clarity.

I know exactly where I create the most impact.

It's working alongside CEOs, founders and leadership teams, particularly in the not-for-profit sector, helping them secure grant funding, develop strategy and strengthen their financial capability.

These leaders don't lack ideas or capability, what they often lack is time.

They need someone who can step alongside them, bring structure to complexity and help move important work forward.

That's the work that energises me.

It also made me realise there was another project waiting for me - The Regional Advantage. Just over 12 months ago, we established The Regional Advantage because we believed regional communities deserved better access to opportunities, governance, investment and support.

When our application for charity status was unsuccessful, followed by a difficult experience that resulted in being let down by legal advice, I lost momentum. More accurately, I lost the mental space to keep pushing it forward while also growing my business.

So I parked it.

Sometimes that's the right decision.

But not forever.

As I reflected on the past six months, I realised that The Regional Advantage is the challenge that's calling me back.

It's time to reconnect with my co-founders and board members, revisit the vision and start taking action to bring it into the world.

That conversation with my coach sparked something else as well.

Several people in our business group admitted they'd never really asked themselves whether their work was still energising them. They'd been busy and productive, but they hadn't stopped to ask themselves whether they were spending their time on the work that genuinely energised and excited them.

There's a saying that has stayed with me for years, and one that my friend and kinesiologist Ilana K often shares: "Where your attention goes, your energy flows." The more I thought about it, the more I realised how true it is.

If we continue saying yes to work that drains us, we'll eventually lose enthusiasm, even if the business is performing well.

If we intentionally focus on the work that challenges us, inspires us and aligns with our purpose, our energy shifts.

For me, that also means it's time to update my website and better communicate the work I love doing most. It means being clearer about who I help, how I help them and the difference we create together.

As we move through the second half of the year, I think there's a question every business owner, CEO and leader should ask themselves.

Is your work still energising you?

If the answer is yes, keep building.

If the answer is no, perhaps it's time to stop cruising, reconnect with what matters most and set yourself a challenge that excites you again.

Sometimes one question is all it takes to change the direction of the next six months.

Ready to find the work that energises you?

If you're heading into the next six months feeling busy but unsure whether you're focusing on the right things, it might be time to step back and review your strategy.

Sometimes an outside perspective is all it takes to uncover where your greatest impact lies. If you'd like support to clarify your direction, strengthen your strategy or position your organisation for growth, I'd love to have a conversation.

Book a discovery call with Liz using the booking link here