Seasons come in many shapes and forms.
When we think of seasons, we typically think of spring, summer, fall, and winter. But life has seasons, too.
There are our school years, our working years, seasons of raising a family, seasons of change and transition, and eventually retirement. And, of course, each of those seasons can be divided into many smaller chapters.
What season are you in right now?
Do you have a favorite season?
Although I appreciate something about each of the four seasons, fall is my favorite. I love sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, football, crisp evenings, and—perhaps most of all—the changing leaves.
The leaves remind me that change can be beautiful.
A New Season. A New Opportunity.
September, for me, brings another trip around the sun, which is always appreciated and a great time to reflect. I’d like to think with age comes continued wisdom. I have a T-shirt that says, “I’m old and wise, because God protected me when I was young and stupid.” There’s more truth to this than I care to admit.
It also brings opportunities for new beginnings. School is back in session, routines change, and there's often a renewed energy around learning and growth.
So, as you look at this new season, are there changes you'd like to make this fall—or as you look ahead to 2027?
Maybe it's:
Starting a new course or learning something new
Establishing a new exercise routine
Making healthier eating choices
Taking on a new adventure
Having a difficult conversation
Delegating something you've been holding onto
Making time for something—or someone—you've been putting off
Sometimes we know exactly what we want to change. Sometimes we don’t. The hardest part is taking the first step.
We've all heard the saying, “If you wait until you're ready, you may never begin.”
That doesn't mean jumping in without preparation.
But at some point, preparation has to become action.
Jumping Before We Were Ready
My friend and peer, Julie Caspar, and I recently did just that.
Julie thought about hosting a radio show years ago. I've talked about starting a podcast for several years. This summer, we finally decided to stop talking and start doing.
We jumped in.
Our preparation this summer is bringing us to a new adventure this fall. We researched. We planned. We recorded. We asked a lot of questions (still are). We learned. We are editing. And now we're in the final stages of finalizing our website, setting up our YouTube channel, and getting our podcast platform links ready to launch our new Podcast. “The People Side of Leadership with Ann and Julie” scheduled to launch on Wednesday, September 16th. We'll explore the human side of leadership through authentic conversations, practical insights, and real-world experiences.
Look for us wherever you listen to podcasts!
Is this a big change for us? Absolutely.
Is it a little nerve-wracking? Heck yes!
Do we know exactly what we're doing? Not quite, but we're learning every day.
Just like the changing leaves signal a new season, perhaps September can be a signal for you.
What have you been thinking about doing?
What change have you been putting off?
What would happen if you took one small step toward it?
You don't have to have everything figured out.
You don't have to feel completely confident.
You don't have to know exactly where the road will lead.
You simply need to be willing to begin.
Your Fall Reflection
Before September gets too busy, take a few minutes to ask yourself:
1. What is one thing I want to change this fall?
2. What is one thing I need to start, stop, or do differently?
3. What is one small step I can take this week to move forward?
Remember:
If you change nothing, nothing changes.
Sometimes the change we need doesn't require a giant leap.
Sometimes it simply requires one small step in a new direction.
Let me know if you want to connect for a conversation, coaching, workshop, or keynote.
You Got This. And I Have Your Back!
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
Ann
