Mid-year ritual: 3 steps to reset your work and career focus

Want to wrap up this half year (or term) feeling more calm, organized and proud of yourself?

Try this ritual that will help you reset your work and career focus for the next months.

It has three steps.

1. Clear space
2. Close loops
3. Notice your progress

Clear Space

Free up space, in whatever way you need most. A few options:

• Unsubscribe from email lists, newsletters, or association digests you no longer read.
• Clear clutter out of your surroundings: donate, discard, or recycle old conference swag, paper files, or books you no longer need.
• Remove contacts you no longer recognize or who don’t contribute positively to your work or professional network.
• Delete outdated digital files: draft syllabi, old slide decks, or duplicate student resources.

Clearing space helps you prepare for what’s meaningful.

Close Loops

• Look over the past six months (or term), and notice which projects, collaborations, or service commitments are still hovering in limbo.
• Make a short list. Choose a few you can resolve with a follow-up or even a decision to let go.

Closing loops invites focus and creativity.

Notice your Progress

• Scan your calendar or camera roll and make a list of what went well.
• Yes, these count: projects completed, boundaries held, ideas tested, support received. Big things, small things, growth, and clarity gained.

Savour your list. Celebrate yourself.

Over to you

This 3-step ritual helps you reflect, refocus, and make more intentional choices for your work and life.

Enjoy it and bask in a sense of of peace, completion, and pride.

Small resets like this one create momentum and clarity for the next chapter of your work and career.