Mid-Year Reset | Notes from the Studio
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Mid-Year Reset
And somehow, we are already in July and the middle of the year is here! I always find myself craving a fresh start—a chance to pause, reflect, and intentionally reset for the rest of the year. The mid-year mark is the perfect opportunity to check in on goals, routines, and overall well-being. As someone who values these things, I believe in approaching this mid-year reset in an calm and peaceful way. Instead of it being overwhelming, it can be a sustainable, manageable, and productive process that helps you realign with your intentions while nurturing yourself and your space. In this post, I’ll share how I’m approaching my own mid-year reset, the areas I’m focusing on, and practical tips to help you create your own meaningful refresh.
The Power of a Mid-Year Reset
There’s something refreshing about the midpoint of the year. It’s a natural pause—a gentle nudge to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and where we want to go next. Unlike the pressure-packed resolutions of January, a mid-year reset feels more like a soft check-in. It’s about progress, not perfection. For me, it’s a time to celebrate small wins, acknowledge growth, let go of what no longer serves me & tweak where needed. This mindset shift makes the reset feel sustainable and genuinely motivating, rather than daunting or guilt-inducing.
Setting Manageable Goals
One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that ambitious, sprawling to-do lists rarely lead you to complete them - if anything, they get lost and forgotten. Instead, I focus on setting manageable goals—tiny, actionable steps that fit my real life. For example, instead of forcing myself to overhaul my entire morning routine, I might commit to adding five quiet minutes of journaling or sitting down before I start my day to see what I needs to get done (things that actually benefit my business). Or, rather than decluttering my whole house in a weekend, I’ll tackle one drawer or shelf at a time. The key is to create goals that are realistic and flexible, allowing me to achieve tiny goals as I head to my "big" one. This can definitely be applied to any tasks in business that matters to you.
Sustainable Habits for Everyday Joy
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment (though very important) It’s also about creating routines and habits that we can maintain over time. For my mid-year reset, I’m focusing on habits that nurture both my creativity and my well-being. This includes carving out regular time for art and calligraphy, waking up a bit earlier for some quiet me time, and turning on my DND each night at 7pm. I also love incorporating sustainable practices into my home, such as using reusable tea towels from the shop and donating before I buy anything new. I try to make sure I stick to my business hours so that I can do other things that I enjoy such as baking protein bagels that I plan to do later today.
Prioritizing Productivity Without Burnout
It’s so easy to equate productivity with hustle, but after many many years of feeling like I had to be busy to show my worth as a business owner, I've finally realized true productivity is about working smarter, not harder. This also means aligning what tasks are getting me closer to my goals. This season, I’m redefining productivity in a way that honors my energy and creativity. I schedule regular breaks, adjust my marketing flow, protect my creative time, which actually helps me get more done without feeling depleted and allow much flexibility in my week. While I do "block" my days, I am not strict about being rigid with it and if I want to adjust what I do on Tuesday to Wednesday instead then I do. The point of starting a business was always for flexibility and control over my day. By focusing on what matters most and letting go of the rest, I’m able to make meaningful progress while still enjoying the process which I had lost at one point.
Creating Space for Reflection and Gratitude
A mid-year reset isn’t just about doing—it’s also about being or ~embodying~ as some say. I make it a point to carve out quiet moments for reflection and gratitude. I normally do this in the morning without distraction. My journaling practice is short and sweet. It has gone through several iterations - 3 pages worth from The Artist Way, to writing whatever comes to mind to now just focusing on Gratitude & Word of the Day. Journaling is a private practice and I think people need to see what style they prefer or comes easy for them. I have found a flow that works best for me, at least now. The last thing I always add is 3 things to be grateful for. That always keeps me centered, grateful for each day and how proud and lucky I am that my business is creative, FUN and I want to make sure I keep it this way.
Refreshing Your Space and Surroundings
As someone who needs to have a tidy environment simply for my own peace of mind, I fully believe our environment has an incredible impact on how we feel and function. As part of my reset, I love to refresh my space with simple touches—a tidy desk, reorganizing a space or going through my closet or cabinets to let go of what we no longer need. While I don't think you need to alway buy new things, I think you can review & reset to have that fresh feeling again. These small changes can spark creativity and motivation, making it easier to stay on track with my own intentions. Doing these mini resets outside of my business allows me to bring ideas into JJ Paperie & Co, where I enjoy helping others create a home and workspace that feels inspiring, organized, and uniquely theirs.
For me, a mid-year reset is a great opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with what matters most and this can also be helpful to you. By focusing on sustainable habits, manageable goals, and a balanced approach to productivity, we can create positive change without overwhelm. Whether you’re refreshing your space, creating new routines, or simply taking time to appreciate the journey, know that every small step counts. Let me know if you create your own mini reset and what that looks like, I'd love to hear!