"How would you like to use the time we have today?"
I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions, but as we move towards the end of the year, many people find themselves reflecting on where they are and where they want to be. If that's you, perhaps the question isn't "What should I change?" it’s “How would I like to use the time I have today?”:
I notice, as a coach, that lasting change comes from reflection and insight. Not from being self-critical, but on taking a more childlike approach – being curious, and innocently considering. Slowing down, paying attention, and making choices that truly support the life we want.
Here are five coaching insights that might help.
1. Build self-trust by keeping the promises you make to yourself
Every time you follow through on something you said you would do, make a note, give yourself a “well-done you”….just like you would to a friend. You’re building self-trust and self-trust is powerful.
It's easy to think confidence comes before action, but confidence grows when we consistently prove to ourselves that we can be relied upon.
Things like
- get up when the alarm goes off
- go for the walk you intended
- start a task you’ve been putting off.
Each small action sends a message: "I believe in me."
Consider……
What's one small promise you can keep to yourself today?
2. Build daily routines that support the person you're becoming
I know that my life is shaped by what I do repeatedly. If I want to feel healthier, calmer, more organised then I need to have healthy activities in my schedule, opportunities for contemplation.
The first step in getting to be that person you want to be is to take a moment to consider your schedule:
- How do you start your mornings?
- How much time do you spend moving your body?
- What are you consuming online?
- How do you wind down in the evening?
Make small changes, not every single one, all at once - small shifts repeated consistently create remarkable change over time.
Consider……
If someone else looked at your daily routine, would they recognise the future version of you that you're trying to become? What can you start today?
3. Protect your time like it matters
Your time matters – most of us don’t have enough of it. Consider your “time-thieves”
- What / who “steals” your time?
- What events do you say “yes” to because you think you “should” be there?
- What “wastes” your time? Scrolling, procrastinating….
Then consider
- What are you booking into your schedule that you don’t really want to do?
- Why are you booking it in?
- What are you avoiding?
When we're constantly busy, it becomes easy to lose sight of what actually matters to us.
Consider……
This week, where is your time leaking away?
Then ask yourself: "Is this helping me build the life I want?"
If it isn’t, “Why am I doing it?”
4. Don't let comfort make your decisions
Growth often asks something uncomfortable of us.
- To speak up, communicate boundaries, say “no”. That’s a full sentence by the way, no explanations needed.
- To apply for the role.
- To attend the networking event.
- To start the business.
- To ask for help.
Waiting until something feels comfortable could mean waiting forever.
Most of the things that transform our lives feel uncomfortable at first – that’s normal. We feel vulnerable while we’re learning, mistakes feel costly, learning takes effort.
You’re not on the wrong path, you’re growing.
Consider……
What are you postponing because it feels uncomfortable? What if you did it anyway? What’s the worst that could happen?
5. Age is just a number…..allow yourself to be a beginner
There seems to be an unspoken expectation that by a certain age we should have everything sorted.
There is no age at which you lose permission to grow, learn, change direction, or want more for yourself. Remind yourself:
- I am allowed to learn something new.
- I am allowed to change direction.
- I am allowed to start over.
It could be launching a business, retraining, taking up a new hobby, or pursuing a long-forgotten dream....keep in mind that every expert was once a beginner.
Consider……
Growth requires permission to learn. What would you try if you didn't have to be good at it immediately? What will you reflect on at the end of 2026 and be grateful you started today?
How coaching can help
Coaching creates space to step away from the noise, reconnect with what's important to you…..
- Understanding your needs.
- Honouring your values.
- And taking intentional steps towards the life you want to create.
Focus on the changes that will make the biggest difference in your life, because the life you're hoping for isn't built “someday”. It's built one choice, one habit and one small promise at a time.
Ready to focus on your needs?
Many of us already know what we’d like to be doing, but the challenge is finding the clarity, confidence and accountability to actually do it.
If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply aware that there's something more you want from life, coaching can provide the space to explore what that looks like for you.
You don't need to have all the answers…..you just need to be willing to start. Perhaps the best time to start is today. And a few months from now, you may be surprised by just how much can change.
How would you like to use the time you have today?
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