26 Jun Mid-Year Reviews (Without the Corporate Nonsense)
Right then. We’re halfway through the year. You know, the point where planners start looking a bit too well-loved, Post-its multiply, and that January fire might have fizzled into more of a gentle simmer.
But here’s the thing…. mid-year reviews aren’t just for boardrooms or big teams. They’re for us, too – the start-ups, business owners, entrepreneurs, the freelancers, coaches and neurodiverse founders juggling ten tabs and three ideas before breakfast, the ones building something meaningful on our terms.
So, let’s do a check-in – no buzzwords, no waffle. Just a warm nudge to pause, breathe, and ensure the second half of your year supports you as much as your business.
Celebrate the wins (yes, yours!)
Before you poke around for problems, give yourself a moment to notice what’s gone well. Ask yourself:
“What felt like progress, big or small, and how did it happen?”
Maybe you landed a dream client, finally sorted your email signature (high five if you did), or simply kept going through a messy patch. That counts, too. Celebrate it, write it down, and stick it on the wall. Momentum starts here.
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Top tip: I keep a “Ta-da” list next to my to-do list – it’s a small joy seeing how far I’ve come, even on the days when I feel like I’m just treading water.
Revisit your goals (gently)
Some things that felt important back in January? It may not be at the top of the list now. And that’s OK. We grow, the world shifts, and our focus follows.
Ask: “Which goals still feel right, and which need a rethink?”
If something feels heavy or irrelevant, maybe it’s time to pivot, park it or pare it back. It’s not about ‘giving up’. It’s about choosing goals that still align with your energy, capacity and values – especially important if, like me, you’ve got a beautifully bendy neurodiverse brain.
Identify the blockers (and be kind about it)
Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve hit a few walls lately. Just ask:
“What’s been getting in the way – and can I change it?”
It could be practical (time, tech, tools) or mindset-y (hello, imposter syndrome). Either way, don’t ignore it. Write it down, look at it properly, and consider what support or structure you need.
Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the way we work. Other times, it’s asking for help – from a coach, a VA, a body-doubling session or even a friend who’ll check in with a “you’ve got this” text.
Reconnect to the big picture
When you’re doing all the doing, it’s easy to forget why you started. So, step back and ask:
“Is what I’m doing still leading me in the direction I want to go?”
Whether working fewer hours, building a business that supports your health, or making space for your creativity to thrive, it all matters. Your goals should work for you, not wring you out.
Don’t forget your own growth
This bit gets lost a lot. When you’re the one running the show, it’s easy to skip the ‘me’ bits. But you’re the engine of your business, and engines need maintenance.
So ask yourself:
“What do I want to learn, explore or build confidence in by the end of the year?”
Maybe it’s getting comfy on camera, building a new offer, or finding a smoother system to manage your week (hello, Asana, my old friend).
Whatever it is, your growth matters as much as your goals.
Lock in a plan (that you’ll actually use)
Now comes the practical bit – and don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be fancy. Just enough to keep you gently on track.
- Refreshed goals
- Key actions (bite-sized, not beastly)
- What support do you need (even if it’s just “remind me I’m not mad for doing this”)
Stick it somewhere you’ll see – whether that’s your planner, digital dashboard, or on a neon sticky note by the kettle.
Final thoughts from one business owner to another
A mid-year check-in isn’t a judgment. It’s a chance to realign. To remember your ‘why’. To notice how far you’ve come (even if the journey’s looked a bit squiggly).
And if your brain works differently – more creatively, more intensely, more curiously – then your process might look different too. That’s not a flaw. That’s your edge.
So, go on. Celebrate what’s working. Tweak what’s not. And step into the rest of the year with clarity, energy and a biscuit in hand.
You’ve got this.
Written by Sharon Bornheim
Founder of The Creative Desk
Support for creatives, coaches and neurodiverse entrepreneurs. OBM + VA services with a brain-friendly twist.