Dear Leaders, Achievers, Friends and Colleagues,

In the fast-paced world of leadership and achievement, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and long-term goals. But how often do we pause to reflect on our journey, our decisions, and our growth? This week, I want to share some thoughts on the crucial practice of reflection in leadership.

The Wisdom of Yom Kippur

This past Saturday marked Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and reflection in the Jewish faith. It's a time to ask for forgiveness, to contemplate our actions, and to set intentions for the year ahead. While this is a specific religious observance, its core principles offer valuable lessons for all leaders:

1. Forgiveness and Moving Forward: How can we forgive ourselves and others for past mistakes, and use those experiences as stepping stones for growth?

2. Intentional Improvement: What concrete steps can we take to become better leaders, colleagues, and individuals?

3. Seeking Joy: In our pursuit of success, how can we ensure we're also cultivating happiness and fulfillment?

Reflection in Business and Life

As I reflected on my own journey, I thought about the many clients and leaders I've had the privilege to work with. I celebrated those who've grown and achieved their goals. But I also pondered on those who, despite initial enthusiasm, didn't progress as hoped.

The key difference? Readiness for change.

It's easy to say we want to improve, to do things differently. But true change requires more than words – it demands a deep connection between our head and our heart. Without this alignment, we may go through the motions without seeing real results.

A Personal Lesson in Perseverance

This concept of aligned action was beautifully illustrated by my son's basketball journey. His dedication is admirable – early morning workouts, extra practice sessions, consistent training. Yet, he recently confided in me about feeling stuck, contemplating giving up.

Our conversation revealed a crucial insight: Sometimes, hard work alone isn't enough. We need to:

1. Reflect on our true goals

2. Measure our actions and their outcomes

3. Monitor our progress (or lack thereof)

4. Adjust our approach when necessary

I call this the MMA approach: Measure, Monitor, Adjust. It's a cycle that can transform both our personal lives and our businesses.

Your Invitation to Reflect and Connect

As we move forward in our leadership journeys, I encourage you to take time for reflection. Ask yourself:

• What changes do I truly want to see in my leadership and my organization?

• Are my actions aligned with these goals?

• Where might I need to adjust my approach?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on leadership and reflection. If you have insights to share, I invite you to be a guest on my podcast, "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight: Influential Leaders and Their Game-Changing Insights." Together, we can explore the transformative power of thoughtful leadership.

Let's connect and continue this conversation. Your experiences and reflections could be the inspiration another leader needs to hear.

Wishing you a year of growth, achievement, and meaningful reflection,

Jaclyn Strominger

Ready to share your leadership journey? Contact us to be featured on the "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight" podcast. Your insights could be the game-changer another leader is seeking.