Mid-Year Momentum: "Halfway There, Let’s Finish Strong
Esther Ruth Gammage
ADHD & Leadership Coach | The Inclusive Strategist | Empowering Leaders to Overcome Self-Doubt, Build Resilience, and Lead with Confidence
Welcome
When considering what to focus on in this edition of The Catalyst Newsletter, I found myself reflecting on a recurring theme from the past fortnight, both personally and among my clients. For many, this year has felt unsettled. New legislation, shifting workplace dynamics, and the political movements of not only our own leaders but those across the global stage have created a sense of uncertainty and distraction.
Now, as we (what feels like) gallop into June, the mid-year mark brings its own kind of energy. It can be both motivating and overwhelming. You might be reflecting on what you've achieved so far, or noticing what’s still sitting untouched on your mental to-do list. These reflections can offer an opportunity to celebrate, but they can also feed unhelpful rumination.
So how do we maintain the momentum we started the year with, without tipping into burnout?
In this edition of The Catalyst, we’re diving into just that: how to reignite your motivation, reset your focus, and re-empower yourself and your teams, all without running on empty.
Sound good?.....lets get cracking!...
Reclaiming Mid-Year Motivation Without Overload
It’s easy to forget that motivation isn’t constant, it ebbs and flows. What matters most is how we respond when it dips. Here are three powerful mindset shifts that can help you (and your team) stay purposeful and engaged as we move into the second half of the year:
1. Reset the Measure of Success
Not everything unfinished is a failure. Regardless of our best intentions, the work that truly makes a difference often gets pushed aside for more urgent business needs or others’ priorities. That can be frustrating, even de-motivating.
But reprioritisation isn’t a “no”, it’s a “not now.” How we frame these moments matters. Rather than ruminating over what didn’t happen, take a moment to reflect on why and what matters now. Give yourself permission to shift the focus without self-blame.
2. Focus on Micro-Wins
Progress isn’t always dramatic (as much as we want it to be). We crave bells, whistles, and that “big shift” moment. But as I often say to my coaching clients: Consistency beats intensity.
The small, meaningful actions you take repeatedly, the 10-minute check-ins, the honest conversations, the tough prioritisation, are what add up to real, lasting impact.
3. Motivate with Meaning, Not Pressure
Instead of telling yourself “I have to finish everything,” pause and ask: “What will move the needle the most, right now?”
Motivation rooted in clarity and meaning will take you further than motivation rooted in overwhelm or obligation. Choose your impact, not your inbox.
📌 Reflection prompt:
“If I could only do three things between now and July that would make the biggest impact, what would they be?”
CLEAR Feedback & Coaching Framework
As leaders it is our job to feedback to our people so that they learn, develop and grow. If you want your team to achieve their potential you need to ensure you take the time to give them feedback. Shying away from feedback because it might be contrary to what the person believes or because it feels hard, shouldn't be an excuse we allow ourselves. Silence does not speak for itself and actually regardless of how awkward it feels at the time, the feedback will be valued, even if this takes a while to resonate.
To support you with that endeavor here is a quick feedback tool that can be utilised in any situation:
C – Context Set the scene with objectivity. Outline the situation and timing.
“In the presentation last Thursday...”
L – Listen & Learn Encourage the individual to reflect and share their own perspective first.
“How do you feel that went?” “What would you keep the same or change?”
E – Example & Evidence Offer specific, non-judgemental feedback based on observed behaviours.
“You paused when you lost your place, then picked back up with confidence, great recovery.”
A – Align & Adjust Collaborate on any changes or support needed going forward.
“What might help you feel better prepared next time?” “Shall we agree on one area to focus on improving?”
R – Review, Reassure & Recognise End the conversation with:
A Review of agreed actions or takeaways
Reassurance that growth takes time
Recognition of effort, progress or strengths
“Let’s check in on this next month to see how you’re getting on.” “It’s clear you’re committed, this is part of the process.” “You handled a tough moment well, and that shows great leadership.”
Are You Busy Being a Busy Fool?
This might sound like a harsh title, but hear me out.
Over the years, I’ve coached many leaders who’ve fallen into the trap of being busy. Not just working hard, but getting lost in the whirlwind of emails, meetings, firefighting and multitasking, only to reach Friday and wonder: “What did I actually achieve this week?”
The truth? Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. And worse, it can mask procrastination, overwhelm, and avoidance of the real priorities, the hard, strategic, or uncomfortable stuff that actually drives results.
The Cost of Constant Busyness
When we fill our calendars without intention, we not only dilute our impact, we chip away at our confidence and credibility.
We might look busy on the surface, but if we’re not moving the needle, others (and we ourselves) begin to question our effectiveness.
And let’s be honest: No business hires leaders to do their team’s work. They hire them to lead, prioritise, and make meaningful decisions.
🔍 Busy vs. Impactful: A Quick Self-Check
Take 10 minutes today and look back at last week:
What tasks filled your time?
How many meetings did you attend, and did you truly need to?
What did you deliver that only you could do?
How much time was spent on your core objectives?
What percentage of your time was spent reactively vs. proactively?
If the answers surprise you, that’s OK. Awareness is the first step toward change.
💡 5 Questions to Reclaim Your Week
Here’s a mini-reset you can use every Monday morning (or Friday afternoon):
What are my top 3 priorities this week?
What will I say no to?
What can I delegate?
When will I do my deep-focus work?
What boundary do I need to protect?
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Final Thought
“Busy” isn’t a badge of honour, impact is. So before you fill your calendar, ask yourself: “Is this the best use of my time and talent?”
Your energy is your most valuable resource. Spend it wisely.
One-to-One prompts for you and your team
The Mid-Year Momentum Map
Use this quick-check framework with yourself or your team:
What’s working?
What’s dragging energy or time?
What needs recalibrating?
What one bold move will reignite energy or focus this quarter?
Pair this with your next 1:1 check-in or team meeting, it creates clarity fast.
Whats on your nightstand?
Books to Reboot Your Focus
"The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington Reframe the rest of 2025: Think in quarters, not years.
"Essentialism" by Greg McKeown A masterclass in doing less but better.
"Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done" by Jon Acuff Perfect for those who start strong… and stall mid-way.
🎧 Podcasts to Fire You Up
"The High Performance Podcast" – Jake Humphrey & Prof. Damian Hughes Inspiring stories from leaders across sport, business, and beyond.
"Feel Better, Live More" – Dr. Rangan Chatterjee Science-backed tips to boost energy, focus and mindset.
"The Mel Robbins Podcast" Motivation, tough love, and real-life mindset shifts.
🛠️ Tools to Take Action
The Eisenhower Matrix Refocus fast: Urgent vs. Important made simple.
Notion / Trello / ClickUp Digital planning tools to bring structure to your Q3 priorities.
5-Minute Journal (App or Hardcopy) Gratitude + reflection = sustainable drive.
One to Follow
Ali Abdaal (@aliabdaal on YouTube/IG) Doctor-turned-productivity-educator. Bite-sized tools for a better workflow.
Sign Off
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the Catalyst Newsletter.
Falling behind or losing momentum mid-year is more common than we like to admit — and often, it’s unavoidable. Staying buoyant and invested takes intention, energy, and self-awareness. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves burnt out, wondering how we got here.
But here’s the reframe: Instead of ruminating on what didn’t happen, choose to reflect on what you’ve learned, and decide what you’re going to do next.
Give yourself grace. Give yourself permission to reset. Then give yourself the drive to finish strong.
Because 2025 is still yours to shape.
Until next time,
Esther
Empowering you to lead with clarity, confidence and compassion.