I think we set a lot of safe goals and we’ve been somewhat conditioned to look at safe goals as something that we do and that we can measure, like SMART goals. They’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

What do you do when you hit a plateau? When I decided to leave the business I founded and grew after so many years, I found myself wondering the same thing: What am I to do next?

We all know the entrepreneurial dream: start a business from scratch, pour into it and build it up, and then sell it to make room for our next big gorgeous goal. That was my dream, and when I first accomplished it, I expected to feel grateful. After all, I had just crushed my goals and watched them pay off! While I did feel gratitude, I also felt grief, and that was unexpected.

So much of what we reach for in life is about experiencing fullness - a busy schedule, a well-stocked pantry, a hefty bank account. And while this fullness can feel good, sometimes it’s equally important to give yourself moments of emptiness, especially in your calendar.

When you’re passionate about the work you do, it can be really challenging to say “No!” to opportunities. And so, you fill your calendar with meetings and events until your work-life is busy and full of to-dos. The problem is that, without taking a break, you’re not allowing yourself time and space to do that big picture visioning that brings your work to life.