Lately, I’ve been moving fast.
Maybe you have too.

Between deadlines, emails, and the never-ending list of “just one more thing,” I caught myself doing what so many of us in leadership do—pushing forward without pausing long enough to notice how far I’ve actually come.

That pause? It’s not a luxury. It’s essential.

Over the years—through busy seasons and burnout, breakthroughs and setbacks—I’ve learned that reflection isn’t just something nice to do when we have time. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have as leaders.
It helps us realign with what matters. It helps us lead with intention.

In Principal in Balance, I talk about ways we can protect our time and our peace. But today, I wanted to share something more personal—something I come back to in my own practice as a leader when I feel like I’ve veered off course.

It’s not a checklist. It’s a grounding.

A simple activity that invites you to look inward, take stock, and step forward with more clarity, courage, and care.

So wherever this season finds you—in momentum or in the messy middle—I hope this gives you a moment to breathe, reflect, and realign.

You ready?

Reflection & Realignment: A Leadership Brain Dump Activity

It’s easy to forget how much we’re carrying—and how much we’ve already done.

Sometimes, when I’ve had a week (or month) where everything feels like too much, I stop and do a brain dump. Not of tasks, but of truths. A personal check-in to remind myself I’m not just managing—I’m growing, adapting, and leading through it.

I call this my Reflection & Realignment practice. And today, I’d love to walk you through it.

Find a quiet moment. Grab your notebook, your calendar, and maybe even your camera roll. Let’s reflect, realign, and reconnect to what matters most.

Where Am I Doing Better Than I Think?

Take a breath and recognize the good—especially the quiet wins.

• In what ways have I grown in the last quarter, professionally and personally?
• What tough things have I navigated with more grace than I gave myself credit for?
• Who would say I’ve made a difference lately? What might they say?
  

Quick Check-In

We leave clues in our calendars and camera rolls. Let’s see what they reveal.

• Open your calendar: What have you handled with consistency or care?
• Scroll through your photos: What moments mattered that you forgot to celebrate?
  

Small Shifts, Significant Impact

We don’t always need an overhaul—sometimes, just a few tweaks can change everything.

• What’s one meeting I could streamline or delegate?
• What 15-minute habit could improve my week?
• What boundary could I set to protect my energy?
  

Check In: Look back at your calendar over the past two weeks.

• What drained you unnecessarily?
• What energized you?
• What small shift would help?
  

My 60–90 Day Focus

Now, let’s move from reflection to action. What are your next right steps?

• Priority 1: ____________________________________
  
• Priority 2: ____________________________________
  
• Priority 3: ____________________________________
  

Star the ONE priority that will create momentum in other areas.

Check In: What progress would make the biggest difference to my school, my staff, and myself?

Zooming Out: The Bigger Picture

Let’s reconnect to your purpose—the deeper reason behind the work.

• What vision am I working toward in my leadership and life?
• How does the work I’m pursuing connect with who I’m becoming?
• Who am I becoming—as a leader, partner, parent, or friend?
  

Check In: Write your personal mission statement.
In 2–3 sentences, connect your leadership with your purpose.

Your Circle: Who’s With You?

Flourishing doesn’t happen in isolation. We lead better together.

• Who do I want to journey with—mentors, peers, friends, coaches?
• Who helps me stay grounded in truth, not just urgency?
• Who am I investing in—and who invests in me?
  

Check In: Reach out to one person this week who has supported or inspired you.
Send them a note. Share your gratitude or a goal you’re working toward.

You don’t need a new job, a new year, or a new initiative to find your balance—you just need a fresh perspective.

Let this be your reminder:
You’re doing better than you think.
And the best leadership? It always starts from within.

Continue to Live Well to Lead Well,

Jessica

Want more resources?

Principal in Balance