It’s July, and your January goals are calling. Are you ready to answer?
The Question That Changes Everything
Here’s a question that might make you squirm a little: When you think about the goals you set in January, do you feel energized or overwhelmed?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Research shows that 92% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the end of the year. But here’s what I’ve learned from my experience in HR leadership and working with ambitious professionals: the magic isn’t in perfection—it’s in the pivot.
Why Mid-Year Check-Ins Matter
Research on growth mindset reveals something powerful: people who view challenges as opportunities to learn are more likely to persist through setbacks. A mid-year check-in isn’t about judging your progress—it’s about learning from it.
Positive psychology shows us that optimism isn’t about blind positivity. It’s about realistic assessment combined with forward-focused action. That’s exactly what we’re doing here.
Your LEAP Forward Mid-Year Framework
Let me share a simple framework I use with my coaching clients. It’s called the Mid-Year LEAP:
L – Look Back with Curiosity
Instead of harsh self-judgment, approach your progress with genuine curiosity. My learnings on grit show that self-compassion actually increases persistence. Ask yourself:
- What progress have I made that I haven’t fully acknowledged?
- What obstacles taught me something valuable about myself?
- Where did I show up even when it felt difficult?
E – Evaluate with Evidence
Keep in mind that small changes compound over time. Look for evidence of growth, not just completion:
- What habits have I developed or strengthened?
- How have my skills or confidence grown?
- What relationships have I invested in?
A – Adjust with Intention
Intentional activities boost well-being more than external circumstances. This is your moment to recalibrate:
- What goals still energize me?
- What needs to be modified based on what I’ve learned?
- Where can I start small to build momentum?
P – Plan with Purpose
Clear goals enhance our sense of purpose and engagement. Create your next six months with intention:
- What one goal would make the biggest positive impact?
- How can I break this into smaller, manageable steps?
- Who can support me in this journey?
The Sensitivity Advantage
I’ve learned that our perceived weaknesses often become our greatest strengths. If you’re feeling disappointed about unmet goals, it means you care deeply about growth and impact.
Be gentle with yourself, self-compassion shows that treating ourselves with kindness during setbacks actually increases motivation. Be gentle with yourself as you reassess.
Small Steps, Big Momentum
Here’s what I know from building my career and coaching practice from the ground up: momentum matters more than perfection. Small actions create psychological momentum that leads to bigger changes.
Your midyear check-in doesn’t need to be a complete overhaul. Sometimes the most powerful shift is simply recommitting to showing up consistently for yourself.
Take Action Today
Block 30 minutes this week for your personal Mid-Year LEAP. Grab a notebook, find a quiet space, and walk through each step with curiosity and compassion.
Remember: the goal isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to keep moving forward with intention, learning, and grace.
What’s Your Next Step?
I’d love to hear from you. What’s one insight you’ve gained about yourself in the first half of this year? What small step will you take this week to build momentum toward what matters most?
Your journey matters. Your growth matters. Your momentum matters.
Are You Thriving in All Dimensions of Your Life or Simply Surviving Day to Day?
How often do you pause to check in, not just on your goals, but on your whole self?
The LEAP Forward Flourishing Assessment is a free 10-minute self-reflection tool that helps you assess how you’re doing across 8 essential dimensions of your personal and professional life.
Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply want to realign with what matters most, this is your chance to reflect, recalibrate and move forward with intention.
Take the FREE assessment here!
Margie Lynch is a Career & Leadership Coach and former Fortune 500 HR Executive who helps ambitious professionals unlock their potential through evidence-based coaching. She writes the Momentum Matters newsletter and leads the LEAP Forward leadership development programs.