Hi there,
Yesterday, you mapped how your pattern actually shows up in your day-to-day work.
Today, we’re looking at the other side of that picture.
Not to beat yourself up. Just to get honest about tradeoffs.
Week 2: Resetting one pattern
This week is about changing one default in a small, intentional way. Not overhauling how you lead. Not fixing everything at once. Just interrupting a single pattern so it stops running on autopilot.
Week 2, Day 2: What this pattern costs you
When this pattern runs at full volume, what does it quietly cost you?
Not in theory. In practice.
This might show up as:
energy you don’t get back
time that never quite feels like your own
work that stays reactive instead of intentional
decisions that feel heavier than they should
The outcome may look fine. The cost often doesn’t.
My example
When I defaulted to availability, the work still moved forward. People could typically get time with me, decisions were made quickly, and I stayed close to everything.
But by the end of most days, I was mentally exhausted. I had very little energy left for thinking ahead, reflecting, or doing deeper work. Almost all of my attention went to responding in real time. I never felt like was completing anything, especially at my job level.
Nothing was “broken.” It just cost more than I realized while I was in it.
How to complete today’s prompt
Write down 2–3 ways this pattern costs you when it runs unchecked. A sentence or two is enough.
Remember: you’re not fixing anything yet. You’re just making the tradeoff visible.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at what this pattern would look like if it showed up slightly less.
Chat soon,
Kelly
Missed a day or starting late? You can find all challenge prompts here.