Everyone wants to "get ahead."

So much so, that everyone feels like they're behind.

I hear it often from my clients.

And the truth is, sometimes I feel like I'm behind.

But that's exactly what this is: a feeling.

A story.

Today, I want to show you a few questions and a few reflection examples that I've picked up on that can help you FEEL like you're right on time.

Let's dig in.

Question 1

"What are the facts?"

I love this question because it really forces you out of your false stories and back into your truths.

It removes assumptions, emotions, and biases.

Answering this question gives you:

1. Clarity
2. Objectivity
3. Informed decision-making

It reveals what you need.

And it takes you away from fear and centers you back to faith.

So, if you feel like you're behind, look backwards and see where you came from.

How far back depends on the context of your reflection and what you're aiming to achieve.

(I coach parents and leaders through this process. Book a call here.)

Reflection Example 1

Short-term Reflection (3 months - 1 year)

Assess recent progress, short-term wins, and make quick adjustments to strategies that aren't working for you.

Practical steps include:

• Keeping a journal to track significant interactions
• Completing regular check-ins
• Making necessary adjustments

Use this reflection type to stay focused and to prioritize progress so you can achieve immediate improvements and reinforce positive changes.

Question 2

"What truly matters to me?"

This question and answer helps you identify your core values and establish standards and goals.

Be sure to answer this question from both a business and personal perspective.

Answering this question allows you to:

1. Align energy and time with values
2. Lead a more purpose-driven life
3. Reduce the feeling of being behind

Once you truly answer this question honestly, you can align your daily activities with your core values and priorities.

This alignment of values and activities helps you feel more productive.

On days filled with distractions, you'll inevitably feel misaligned.

The feelings of being behind will most likely creep back in.

Conduct a reset: tune back in to your values and align your next activities with them.

This question (and answer) is one of the most powerful "life hacks" available to you.

Use it.

Make sure your core values lead to your core behaviors, and don't stop.

Reflection Example 2

Medium-Term Reflection (Past 1 to 5 years)

Look at broader patterns, significant milestones, and major goals.

Practical steps include:

• Milestone mapping
• Pattern identification
• Celebrate growth

Use this reflection type to identify long-term patterns of behavior and communication. This reflection should also include a heavy dose of celebrating major milestones and reflecting on the impact they have had on your growth and success.

Question 3

"How can I better balance productivity and rest?"

This question and answer ensures that you find a rhythm between work and rest.

Productivity does not mean constant activity.

Incorporating periods of rest and recovery allows you to be more efficient, focused, and it is essential if you want to maintain your momentum.

Answering this question:

1. Prevents burnout
2. Maintains high level of creativity
3. Improves overall well-being

This one is all about your schedule.

Ask: What do I keep? What do I delete? What do I need more of?

Here is where you will ensure that your busy work schedule doesn't "force" you into neglecting your personal relationships.

Business stress negatively impacts our personal relationships.

This is your reality check.

At the end of your life, you won't regret missing work, but you will wish you had more time with your spouse or kids.

Reflection Example 3

Long-term Reflection (Beyond 5 years)

Gain a deeper understanding of your overall journey. How have your core values changed? What growth have you realized?

How have you evolved?

When were you resilient?

What struggle kept you down for the longest, and what did you learn about yourself?

This reflection is all about your core mission and vision.

Identify major life or career milestones and anniversaries and use this to celebrate, and also as information for you to consider when pivoting toward a new direction.

Conclusion

So, if you are feeling behind, try the questions and/or reflections above.

Chances are, you're not behind at all.

You, my friend, are right where you need to be.

You're right on time.

And if it's time to pivot, you know what you need to do.

Align your core values with your daily activities and keep moving forward.

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