Reset & reflection: A Simple Yet Powerful Path to Intentional Growth

Taken from the Mayfly Maven Reset & Reflection Toolkit

In the fast-moving pace of our modern world, it’s easy to move from one project to the next without pausing. But if we truly want to create meaningful progress in our personal and professional lives, we need to make space for something many of us skip: reflection.

That’s why I created Reset & Reflection—a tool and mindset that allows us to pause, process, and then plan with intention. Whether you’ve just wrapped up a workshop, led a team through a complex strategy session, or finished a chapter in your life journey, this method invites you to reflect on your experiences and design your next steps with clarity.

Why Reset?

“Reset” doesn’t mean starting over. It means realigning with what matters to you. It’s about recalibrating your inner compass so your next move is both purposeful and aligned with your values.

Too often, we power through achievements without acknowledging them or assessing what truly worked (or didn’t). But taking a moment to Reset gives you permission to slow down, celebrate wins, and prepare for what’s next with intention. This act of pause is particularly powerful for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are constantly in motion.

The Power of Reflection

At Mayfly Maven, we believe in human-first leadership. Reflection plays a crucial role in building that mindset. It’s not about overanalyzing or self-criticism—it’s about honest curiosity.

That’s why our reflection framework is rooted in three gentle prompts:

• I like

• I wish

• What if

This structure encourages positive language and forward-thinking ideas, helping you create tangible momentum. It shifts your mindset from judgment to curiosity, from stuck to expansive.

No matter what you have just experienced, or what workshops you attend, making this a part of your regular reflection ensures that you take away the key elements of learning and commit to doing something after you leave and ensure you progress. 

Let’s explore how this works in practice.

I like…

This prompt allows you to celebrate what went well. Acknowledge strengths, moments of joy, insights gained, or even small wins that made a difference. This is where gratitude and appreciation live.

Maybe you discovered a new way to express yourself, or your team found synergy during a brainstorm. Perhaps you felt energised speaking your truth in a conversation that once felt intimidating. These “likes” matter. They reveal what fuels you—and what you want more of.

Examples:

• I like how supported I felt during the discussion.

• I like the clarity I gained on my values.

• I like how I was able to lead with confidence.

I wish…

Now, without falling into negativity, consider what could have gone differently. This is a space for learning—not blame. Think of it as an opportunity to name what you'd like to improve or shift.

By using the phrase “I wish”, you acknowledge unmet needs or areas for growth while staying compassionate and hopeful.

Examples:

• I wish I had spoken up earlier.

• I wish we had more time to explore that idea.

• I wish I had prepared questions to deepen the conversation.

What if…

Here’s where imagination and growth intersect. “What if” invites you to dream, reimagine, and innovate. It moves you into possibility thinking, where you can explore new actions, choices, and paths forward.

It’s about momentum. Small, inspired ideas here can grow into powerful shifts in how you lead, live, and love.

Examples:

• What if I shared this insight with my mentor?

• What if I gave myself permission to rest more?

• What if our team embraced this framework monthly?

The Reset Reflection in Action

When you give yourself the space to reset and reflect, you begin building an intentional and satisfying life. It’s about aligning your values with your actions and making room for both celebration and improvement. That’s how growth becomes sustainable—and joyful.

Let’s look at how you can bring this into your everyday leadership or personal growth journey.

From Ideas to Action

Once you've gathered your reflections, the next step is activation. At Mayfly Maven, we always ask: How can you carry the learning forward?

Every “like” can be nurtured into a strength.

Every “wish” can be addressed with a small change.

Every “what if” is a seed for innovation.

Start with one step.

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a first step. It could be:

• Booking 20 minutes on your calendar to journal.

• Sharing a reflection with your mastermind group.

• Reaching out to a colleague for a quick check-in.

• Starting that “what if” idea as a 5-minute experiment.

Progress starts with presence.

Implement with Intention

Choose three ideas from your reflection that feel important to act on. Then, for each one, list the first step. That’s it. You’ll be amazed how clarity and momentum follow once you get started.

Here’s a template to guide you:

Idea 1:  Share my learnings with my coach

First Step:  Book a 30-minute debrief session

Completed:  [Yes/No]

Idea 2: Explore a new creative direction in my business

First Step:  Research 2 online programs

Completed:  [Yes/No]

Idea 3: Prioritise self-care during leadership sprints

First Step:  Add weekly time blocks for rest

Completed:  [Yes/No]

Celebrate each completion—even if the step feels small. That cup of tea after finishing a task? That solo dance party in the living room? It counts. Because you count.

Why This Matters—Especially for Women Leaders

As a woman entrepreneur and coach who has spent over 30 years in management and leadership training, I’ve seen how often women undervalue their own reflections and achievements.

We are taught to go, do, give, serve—and rarely to pause. But reflection isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. It’s where your self-awareness, confidence, and clarity live.

When you reflect, you reclaim your time, your truth, and your trajectory. You don’t just learn—you lead better.

Every voice matters. Your voice matters. And every small reflection is a step toward your boldest life.

Let’s reset, reflect, and rise—together.

Ready to take the next step? 

1. Unlock your potential with our toolkits; they have frameworks, guides, and worksheets that empower you to drive progress: https://www.mayflymaven.com/shop

2. Join our vibrant community to fuel your growth, deepen your knowledge, and connect with women on the same path to success: https://www.skool.com/mayfly-motivation/about