Renewal is Fuel

I’ve learned over the years that I don’t do well with “the slog.” Any kind of prolonged repetition just drains me. At the same time, my ambition can get out of check—I want to do all the things! So many ideas. Pretty typical entrepreneur stuff, but definitely something I’ve had to manage… over and over.

The key to my self-management has been “renewal” systems (or “rituals”, which sounds a bit more intentional).

We all know the idea of renewal—think New Year’s resolutions. And we also all know how those usually go: big plans… then life happens… and they fizzle out.

But what if you could create a mini-New Year every week? Or even every day?

For me, building regular renewal rituals into my life has been foundational. It gives me a quick reset: a chance to check in on what matters, reconnect with the bigger plan, and get a little re-juiced for the day or week.

In a way, this entire “25 Insights” project is a renewal moment for me too: a chance to step back, reflect, and reconnect with what has mattered most.
I’m talking about small stuff: a personal morning routine, a quiet Saturday morning reset, quarterly and annual reflections. When I write it all out, it sounds kind of sloggy itself. But honestly, that little bit of structure and discipline has been huge for me.

I’m not perfect with it. Maybe I hit these rituals 80-90% of the time. Morning rituals are the most difficult to be consistent with. And they flex and evolve, too. Sometimes when the rituals start feeling heavy, that’s the signal—it’s time to renew the renewal.

Life and business can feel too full to “make time” for renewal. But that’s exactly why it matters. Without these resets, I wouldn’t be 25 years in and still energized and excited about what’s next.

What’s this 25/25 stuff about?: 25 YEARS, 25 INSIGHTS – Reflections on Growth, Leadership and Resilience | Smart Dolphins IT Solutions Inc.