Happy December!

To support you in being F.I.R.S.T. (Future-Ready. Innovative. Relevant. Strategic. Trusted.), here’s 1 tip and 1 quote.

The F.I.R.S.T. Tip

Every year-end is the perfect opportunity to pause, exhale, and revisit the journey we’ve travelled.

A Bain study shows that high-performing leaders who practise “micro-reflection”: small, honest pauses, enhance their awareness, clarity, and strength over time.

Here are 4 reflection questions that help us reset mentally, emotionally, and physically so we enter the new year not rushed, but grounded:

1. “What strengthened me that I didn’t realise at the time?”

You may discover challenges that have built up your resilience.
New responsibilities may have expanded your influence.
Unexpected decisions may have sharpened your clarity or courage.

You are probably stronger than you think.

2. What am I proud of (even if it wasn’t perfect)?

Progress rarely looks perfect but it IS progress.

Reflect and consider:
• a relationship you have improved
• a skill you have strengthened
• a boundary you honoured
• a challenge you handled differently

Give yourself credit for what you carried, steadied, softened, or solved this year.
Small wins deserve recognition too.

3. What will I carry forward into the new year?

This is where reflection becomes direction.

Ask yourself:
• Which habits kept me grounded?
• Which mindsets helped me grow?
• What deserves more intention next year?

Keep it simple:
IDENTIFY three things to carry, one thing to lovingly let go.

4. What will I do differently in 2026?

Insight creates awareness.
Behaviour change creates transformation.

Ask yourself; “What will I do differently next year not because I failed, but because I’ve grown?”

It could be something as simple, yet powerful, as:
• speaking up earlier
• protecting your boundaries consistently
• asking for support sooner
• choosing opportunities that stretch you
• setting aside time for learning, reflection or wellbeing

Small, deliberate shifts often create the biggest change.

That is why, as you close this year…

Take a moment to acknowledge yourself.
For showing up.
For trying.
For caring.
For learning.

You’ve done better than you may realise. And you deserve to enter the new year with clarity, confidence, and a sense of renewal.

Ready to step into 2026 and help your team do the same with more clarity and purpose?

At Influence Solutions, our F.I.R.S.T. philosophy shapes the way we develop leaders and teams, helping them become Future-Ready, Innovative, Relevant, Strategic, and Trusted.

We partner with organisations to strengthen the human capabilities that help teams stay future-ready in how they perform, collaborate, and lead.

Learn more about how we can support your leadership and workforce priorities.