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Est Read Time: 2.5 Minutes

If you’ve caught yourself thinking:
How am I already booking September meetings? What have I actually gotten done? The year’s basically over.

I see two great questions and one lie.

September Meetings: It’s summer. People are traveling, and most action gets punted until after Labor Day anyway. You’re actually saving time and energy by planning ahead.

What Have You Done: A lot. We opened 2025 juggling wildfires, tariffs, and recession chatter. And yet, you’ve kept moving. Very likely while supporting others along the way.

However - this year is far from done. See the opening graphic. The midpoint means there’s still plenty of time to recalibrate and make the most of 2025 - with more clarity on what actually matters.

And here’s the kicker: resetting your headspace from “still behind” to “halfway there” isn’t just a mindset shift. It supports your energy, your well-being, and longevity.

With that in mind, here’s the game plan to pause, acknowledge, and move forward.

1. Pause

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a strategy. You can’t give energy if you don’t have any. Recovery fuels high performance. The research backs it. It’s not a luxury. It’s a power move. Just ask Simone Biles.

Try this: Plan a time this week for micro-recovery - a walk, a massage, reading time for pleasure. To be clear, this isn’t admin time. This is about getting re-energized. 

Also quick reminder: use your PTO and here’s how to hack it in more vacation time.

2. Acknowledge

Whatever you planned or predicted in January has probably shifted. If it hasn’t, reply so we can play the lottery—or at least tell me how Severance ends.

Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, take stock of what did. And how you can use that momentum moving forward. You’ve survived 100% of your bad days. It’s worth naming how.

Try this: Look back at the past month. What are 2–3 things you did well personally or professionally?  Bonus: Write them down somewhere you’ll actually see them. 

3. Move Forward

Picture December 2025. What’s one thing you want to have accomplished?

Try This: Take one small step to move you forward this week. Book the coaching session, schedule the doctor’s appointment, block time to start the task that’s been sitting on your list. Little steps lead to big leaps.

Side note: I almost opened with, “Whoa, we’re halfway there,” but the graphic sings it better.

One Simple Thing

It’s human to worry, especially when you’re reflecting or planning ahead. If a spiral hits while working through this reset, try one of these quick research-backed, tools to reclaim your energy:

• Physical Energy: Take a 10-minute walk to help clear ruminating thoughts

• Emotional Energy: Have a go-to for talking it out (mentor, peer, whine or wine buddy)

• Mental Energy: Turn off news notifications, and only check strategically for 5-10 minutes at a time

• Mindful Energy: Try a 60-second box-breath (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)

Dilagence on the Move 

Wellhub x Dilagence: We’re proud to have supported Wellhub’s Return on Wellbeing 2025 Report (CEO Edition). The report offers powerful data on why well-being is both a leadership priority and a business imperative.

Here’s one key video insight on how to elevate well-being in your organization. For more data your leadership team needs, download the full report.

The Latest in Forbes:

• Need more energy on Mondays? Start here

• Loneliness at work? What action actually looks like

• Summer’s not feeling slow? You’re not alone

Dose of Dilan

What I’m listening to:

This episode of What Now? with Trevor Noah and Jon Stewart underscores why they’re always on my list of 5 people to have dinner with. Hasn’t happened yet. I have faith.

How I work better on the road:

This is my copilot, and it’s truly been a game changer. 

What saved me money on my last trip to London:

This.There is nothing more satisfying than watching the weight come in exactly at the limit.

Thanks for reading, I’m glad you’re on the team. For regular doses of Dilagence, follow on LinkedIn and if you know someone else who can benefit from this newsletter, invite them to subscribe here.