What time or place is optimal for your own check-in?

A slow start to 2026, and an invitation

This is the first article I’m writing in 2026, and I feel called to slow down and think about intention and purpose—where do I begin? I already know I want to write about reflective practice and coaching, but how do I approach it? What’s the right entry point?

Not long ago, a client of mine—a newly appointed manager in a pretty challenging environment—said something that stayed with me: “I’m fully aware that I need to slow down, and at the same time I have no time or space to actually slow down.”

That really made me pause.
We often know what’s good for us. We know we “should” drop a habit that drains us and replace it with something more nourishing. And still—we don’t.
Because there’s no time. Or because that first wave of motivation fades under the weight of speed, change, and pressure around us. And – theory and so-called common-sense advice often don’t work in real life.

So what do I want these monthly columns to be about?
I want to support fellow coaches and business professionals in finding something of their own—a way of pausing, of checking in, of reflecting.

The client I mentioned earlier realized (interestingly, this same insight came up in two other coaching processes recently) that she needed space to listen to herself. And the only way to do that, for her, was to literally schedule a meeting with herself in her calendar. She also recognized that mornings worked best for her—to start the day by becoming aware of what’s on her plate. She reflected on how long her activities usually last, and for now, decided to try 30 minutes, first thing in the workday. We’re working on this together, and I’m hopeful that 2026 will bring her a new sustainable habit—a morning check-in with herself.

My routine is somewhat similar. I write morning pages while having my coffee. Three full pages in my notebook, pouring everything out of my head and onto paper. Since I have a 5-month-old baby, I can’t always write them in one go. And that is totally ok.  But this is a habit I’ve kept for 6 years, and one that consistently brings me the most clarity, fresh ideas, and self-awareness.

So here’s an invitation—to check in with yourself. If you’d like to start this journey with me, here are a few questions that may help you set your direction for 2026:

• What might a pause bring you?
• In what way do you want to recognize the value of slowing down?
• What time or place is optimal for your own check-in?
• How often would you like to organize these moments, and how long could they last?
• How will you record and revisit your insights?

Let’s slow down to begin.