June – Time To Review This Year’s Progress

Ah, June. The midpoint of the year. The solstice sun is high, nature is in full bloom, and for many of us, there’s a subtle inner nudge to pause… and take stock.

Let me ask you something: How has your year really been so far?

Not just the to-do lists and deadlines ticked off, but the deeper stuff – your growth, your mindset, your direction.

At UKCPD, Tony Nutley often reminds us, “The oak tree with strong roots can’t easily be blown over.” And mid-year is the perfect time to check those roots – to reconnect with your purpose, reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and most importantly, who you are becoming in the process.

Why Reflect in June?

Research in organisational psychology underscores the value of periodic reviews. According to Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory (2002), regular evaluation against clearly defined objectives not only enhances performance but also increases engagement and motivation. Without such reflection, goals can become abstract or side-lined, particularly as day-to-day demands consume attention.

June gives us a sweet spot – far enough from January’s resolutions that real patterns have emerged, but with plenty of year left to shift direction if needed. It’s a bit like being at a crossroads. Or as we might say in coaching terms, a choice point.

Reflection at this time invites both clarity and commitment.

Using tools like the WHAT Coaching Method™ can help refocus your energy. Ask yourself:

• What did I set out to achieve this year?

• What has been the real benefit of working towards that?

• What’s working… and what’s just not?

And just as importantly: What’s stopped me so far – and what’s the first small step I can take next?

Journaling – Reflection as a Learning Tool

You know, one of the most powerful ideas when it comes to personal and professional development — especially for those of us on the coaching or leadership path — is what Donald Schön called being a “reflective practitioner.” This isn’t just academic jargon; it’s a real, lived way of learning from your experience. It’s about having the presence of mind to reflect while you’re doing something — not just after it’s all said and done. That’s where real insight lives.

Now, here’s the thing — if we want to grow, to lead, to be truly excellent in what we do, we must get into the habit of reflecting. Not just “what happened,” but why did that work? Why did that fall flat? What can I take forward into tomorrow?

In the leadership space, this sort of reflection sharpens something very special — metacognition. Big word, I know, but all it really means is learning how to learn. It’s the skill behind the skill. And when you combine that with emotional and social intelligence (Goleman talked about this), you’re not just leading — you’re adapting, evolving, and connecting on a deeper level.

So, here’s a gentle nudge — journal a bit more, talk things through with a peer or coach, ask yourself: “What did I learn today?” That one simple question could change everything.

Action Steps for Your June Review

Let June be your check-in not just with your goals, but with your identity. After all, it’s not just about doing more – it’s about becoming more you. Here are five practical steps you can take:

1. Schedule reflective time: Block out some time for an undistracted review, use the downloadable Reflection Tool “Mid-Year Goal Progress Check-Up“.

2. Review your goals: Re-read your objectives and assess your current status.

3. Analyse your learning: What worked? What didn’t? What would you do differently?

4. Seek feedback: Ask for insight from at least two trusted peers or mentors.

5. Refine your plan: Adjust your goals or strategies for the second half of the year.

Looking Ahead

Let’s be honest — progress is rarely a straight line. Life just doesn’t work like that. Growth — real, lasting personal or professional growth — is more of a twisty country lane than a motorway. It asks us to be resilient, to flex when things shift, and to keep reflecting as we go.

Now, here we are in June. Midway. A perfect moment to hit pause and really check in with yourself. Where are you? What’s working? What’s not quite landing? When you stop and take stock like this, you’re not just ticking a box — you’re setting yourself up for a more focused, aligned, and energised second half of the year.

Peter Drucker famously said, “What gets measured gets managed.” True. But I’d say this too: what gets reviewed — properly, with honesty and heart — that’s what really improves. So make this time count. Reflect. Review. And get ready to move forward with intention.

References

Download the half year reflection tool: “Mid-Year Goal Progress Check-Up“

Blanchard, K. (1985). The One Minute Manager. New York: William Morrow.

Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.

Iso-Ahola, S. E., & Dotson, C. O. (2016). Psychological momentum: Why success breeds success. Review of General Psychology, 20(1), 79–89.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717.

Think BIG – The Journal of Personal Development (2023) Why using your SMARTS is Better than just being SMART!

London, M. (2003). Job Feedback: Giving, Seeking, and Using Feedback for Performance Improvement. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.

UKCPD-TV – The Power of Journaling.

Think BIG – The Journal of Personal Development (202) Accelerate Your Personal Development with the Power of Journaling

Stone, D., & Heen, S. (2014). Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well. Penguin Books.