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Mid-Year Reset: Here's How to Refocus and Recharge as a School Leader

Writer's picture: Daphne WallbridgeDaphne Wallbridge

As a school leader, the mid-year point is a crucial time to reflect, refocus, and recharge. Mid-Year Reset: Here’s How to Refocus and Recharge as a School Leader highlights the importance of pausing, reassessing your priorities, and regaining momentum. The demands of leadership can leave you feeling stretched thin, but with a few intentional steps, you can reignite your passion and set the stage for a successful second half of the year. Here’s a roadmap to guide you.


How to Refocus and Recharge as a School Leader


Five steps to help you regain momentum mi-year as a school leader.
Five steps to help you regain momentum mi-year as a school leader.


Review Your Wins

Take a moment to reflect on the successes you’ve achieved so far this school year. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going well, but pausing to acknowledge your wins can shift your mindset and energize you.



What to Do: Set aside 15 minutes to list three significant achievements, whether they’re big milestones or small victories.

Why It Matters: Celebrating progress boosts morale for both you and your staff, creating momentum for future success.

Pro Tip: Share these wins with your team in a staff meeting or email. Recognition fosters a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.


Revisit Your Priorities

Mid-year is the perfect time to reassess your goals and priorities. Are you still aligned with the vision you set at the beginning of the year? If not, it’s time to adjust.


What to Do: Review your strategic plan and identify tasks or initiatives that may no longer serve your goals. Shift your focus to the most impactful priorities.

Why It Matters: Eliminating unnecessary tasks prevents burnout and ensures your energy is directed toward meaningful outcomes.

Pro Tip: Use a framework like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into urgent, important, and non-essential to guide your decision-making.


Empower Your Team

You can’t do everything alone, and mid-year is an excellent time to lean on your team for support. Delegating effectively not only lightens your load but also empowers others to grow.


What to Do: Schedule one-on-one meetings with key staff to discuss their goals and needs. Ask, “What can I do to help you succeed in your role?”

Why It Matters: When your team feels supported and valued, they’re more motivated to contribute to the school’s success.

Pro Tip: Assign specific tasks or projects to staff members who show interest or expertise in those areas. Delegation builds trust and encourages professional growth.


Reignite Your Passion

Leadership can feel draining if you lose touch with your purpose. Take time to reconnect with the reasons you became a school leader in the first place.


What to Do: Spend time observing classrooms, talking with students, or engaging in activities that remind you of the impact you’re making.

Why It Matters: Seeing the positive effects of your leadership can reignite your sense of purpose and energize you for the months ahead.

Pro Tip: Journal about your experiences or moments of inspiration to reflect on the bigger picture of your leadership journey.


Invest in Your Well-Being

Your energy and mindset set the tone for your school. When you prioritize self-care, you’re not only investing in yourself but also in the success of your entire school community.


What to Do: Schedule regular activities that recharge you, whether it’s taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or simply unplugging for a while.

Why It Matters: Leaders who prioritize their well-being are better equipped to handle challenges, make decisions, and inspire their teams.

Pro Tip: Set boundaries around your time and communicate them clearly to ensure you can recharge without interruptions.


The second half of the school year brings its own set of challenges, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and transformation. As a leader, you are your school’s most valuable resource. Investing in your personal and professional development isn’t just about you—it’s about the impact you create for your students, staff, and community.


If you’re feeling stuck or want extra support to reset and refocus, I’d love to help. Book a free clarity call, and let’s explore how we can work together to create a plan that empowers you to lead with confidence and clarity.

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