9. Mid-year Review: How to Do Your Own and What Are The Lessons I Learned in 2023 (So Far)

In this episode, we talked about:

  • How to conduct a mid-year review and why it’s valuable
  • Accepting that most plans won’t unfold exactly as intended
  • Letting go of ego and unrealistic expectations
  • Following intuition and creating authentically
  • Practicing self-compassion and gentleness with yourself

Listen to the full episode now:

“90% of your plans are gonna fail no matter what you do—but that doesn’t mean you haven’t moved forward.”


Timestamp:

  • 0:00 intro
  • 2:10 how i did my mid-year review and how you can do it
  • 5:59 things that happened to me in this past 6 months
  • 7:05 lessons I learned
  • 7:10 lesson 1: 90% of your plans are gonna fail no matter what you do
  • 11:49 lesson 2: don’t let your ego get in the way of what you’re meant to do
  • 15:01 lesson 3: trust your intuition
  • 17:16 lesson 4: be gentle with yourself
  • 18:27 summary
  • 20:15 outro

“Be gentle with yourself. Life is too short to be obsessed with mistakes you might or might not even make.”


Detailed Summary:

Introduction

Life moves fast, and sometimes we don’t realize how much time has passed until we pause to reflect. In this episode of Small Girl Big Talk, Wendy shares how she conducted her mid-year review, what she discovered about her goals, and the lessons she learned from the first half of 2023.

Reflecting on the First Half of the Year

Wendy talks about the process she uses to review her life, from revisiting photos, social media archives, calendars, and journal notes to assessing goals and milestones. She emphasizes that mid-year reviews don’t have to happen in June—they can be done anytime you feel the need to pause, reflect, and adjust your path.

Unexpected Milestones and Plans That Didn’t Go As Expected

Even with careful planning, Wendy realized that much of what she intended at the start of the year didn’t unfold as expected. She shares personal milestones, like turning 30, getting engaged, starting her podcast, and reconnecting with family. At the same time, she reflects on goals that shifted, such as stepping back from coaching, adjusting travel plans, and re-evaluating financial priorities.

Letting Go of Ego and Embracing Flexibility

A key lesson Wendy shares is the importance of setting aside ego-driven expectations. Returning to a full-time job after pursuing coaching felt like a “step back” at first, but it actually provided financial stability, creative freedom, and peace of mind. She emphasizes trusting yourself, your intuition, and the pace that works for your life rather than chasing a rigid plan.

Trusting Intuition and Embracing Feminine Strength

Wendy highlights the value of creating content from the heart, following her instincts, and embracing emotional vulnerability. She encourages listeners to honor their unique voice and feminine strength, leaning into compassion, intuition, and authenticity rather than solely focusing on metrics or conventional strategies.

Being Gentle With Yourself

Throughout her mid-year reflections, Wendy stresses the importance of self-compassion. Life is too short to dwell on mistakes or unmet expectations—allow yourself grace, laugh or cry when needed, and continue moving forward at a pace that feels sustainable.

Conclusion

This episode is a reminder that reflection and adjustment are key to growth. By reviewing your progress, embracing flexibility, and treating yourself with kindness, you can navigate life’s surprises with clarity and calm. Mid-year reviews aren’t about perfection—they’re about learning, realigning, and moving forward with intention.

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