I see it happen every year, Reader . . .

After the sparklers have faded 🧨. . . after all that's left of a long weekend is laundry 🧺 . . . we suddenly wake up and say to ourselves:

"Holy cannoli (or the exclamatory of your choice) the year's half over!"

Yes, 50% of the minutes in this year's time bank —generously refilled to the brim on January One—have been spent already.

But on what? Sometimes we're not so sure.

That can feel a little scary. ⏳⌛️😳

That's why right now is a perfect time to check in with ourselves.

If you're working in a traditional corporate environment, you might have a structure to assess progress once a year.

To me, though, taking stock only once a year is kind of like trying to appreciate Wagner's operas by watching Bugs Bunny cartoons—you're shortcutting the process and will no doubt miss something dramatic. 🎶

When we create time to look back, look up, and look ahead, we stay clear about who we are and where we want to be. That helps us maintain a feeling of confidence and control.

That's why I hope you dive into this article, whether or not you have a formal annual review. It also has scripts for how to ask for feedback (which so many of you tell me you want more of and don't get often enough):

​Read "What to Do Before Your Annual Review (Even If It Seems Far, Far Away)​

Okay, so how 'bout you, Reader? How would you rate YOUR first half of 2025 Thumbs up, down? 👍🏼👎🖐🏾 Hit REPLY and send me a few words, emojis, or even a story about how the year has been. What big questions are coming up? I always love hearing from you. 😇

Yes, midyear's always time to review, recalibrate, reset, or maybe even rescue your life at work, no matter what's happening. Remember, somebody out there needs you—let's do our best to make the second half of the year count.

Always, Darcy

​

P.S. If you or your team would benefit from an external guide to help you review & recalibrate where you've been and where you're going, I'm happy to help. Hit REPLY and let's chat! Or schedule a consultation here where we can talk confidentially about what's happening for you or your company. --D