Year-end can turn into a sprint. The wiser move? Pause. Stop. Re-evaluate. The best time is now.
Inspired by Hoda Kotb’s reminder to step back and choose joy—it’s never too late to get off the train, take a breath, and reset.
The Sunflower Challenge now pauses for the holidays. I’ll be back on Mon 5 Jan 2026 with the final Week 8 New Year mindset.
This week’s prompt
PAUSE → STOP → RE-EVALUATE — because…
A short reset beats a long spiral.
This week’s move (60–120 seconds)
1️⃣ PAUSE: Two slow breaths. Name the moment you’re in (work / home / travel).
2️⃣ STOP: Write one thing to stop or park until after the holidays.
3️⃣ RE-EVALUATE: Write one because-line:
“I choose to focus on ___ because ___ matters more this week.”
Optional: add a tiny step (5–15 mins) and put it in your calendar.
Why it works (science, no fluff)
- A deliberate pause interrupts the stress loop and restores top-down control.
- You update your Default Mode Network (DMN) story from “keep pushing” to “choose what matters.”
- You tune your Reticular Activating System (RAS) to notice cues that support the choice (the handover note, the quiet 10 minutes, the helpful “no”).
Make it yours (keep it tiny)
- Work: Pause before the last meeting → Stop new commitments → Re-evaluate: “I choose one clear handover note at 4pm because calm beats chaos.”
- Home: Pause at the door → Stop multitasking on your phone → Re-evaluate: “I choose 10 unrushed minutes with family because presence beats perfect.”
- Self: Pause after lunch → Stop doom-scrolling → Re-evaluate: “I choose a 10-minute walk because energy beats extra tabs.”
Reflect (evening)
Write three quick lines: Keep / Stop / Start for tomorrow.
Mood shift 0–3? Celebrate the micro-win.
Call To Action
Run a 24-hour holiday pause. Share one STOP and one because-line in the comments—your wording may help someone else.
(You can read more about the full framework here)
Question
If you pressed pause today, what’s the one thing you’d stop, and what would that make room for?
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