Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
Sometimes moving forward means knowing what to let go of.
As we get closer to the end of another year, it's natural to start thinking about what we want to achieve next. New goals, fresh ideas, bigger ambitions and perhaps a few promises to ourselves that this time we'll do things differently!
But what if, instead of simply thinking about what we want to add to our lives and businesses in 2027, we spent a little time thinking about what we should leave behind?
Every year brings new opportunities, challenges and lessons. Some things work brilliantly, others don't quite go to plan, and sometimes we find ourselves holding on to habits, behaviours and ways of working that are no longer helping us move forward.
So, what might be worth leaving behind as we head into a new year?
Being busy doesn't always mean being productive
We've all heard someone say, "I'm flat out!" But does being busy necessarily mean we're achieving anything meaningful?
Back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes and endless to-do lists can create the illusion of productivity. Yet, sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is stop, reassess our priorities and work out where our time is actually being spent.
For businesses, this might mean reviewing unnecessary meetings, simplifying processes or giving people more time to focus on the work that really matters.
Perhaps it's time to leave behind the idea that being busy is a badge of honour.
The fear of having difficult conversations
It's human nature to avoid uncomfortable conversations. Whether it's providing feedback, addressing performance issues or raising concerns with a colleague, sometimes we put things off because we don't want to upset anyone or create tension. However, avoiding these conversations rarely makes the problem disappear. More often, it allows small issues to become bigger ones.
Good communication is one of the foundations of a healthy workplace. Having honest, respectful conversations can build trust, improve relationships and prevent misunderstandings.
Going into 2027, perhaps we should leave behind the habit of putting off conversations that could make a positive difference.
Doing things simply because "that's how we've always done it"
One of the biggest barriers to improvement in business is the reluctance to change.
Processes that worked five years ago may no longer be relevant. Technology has evolved, customer expectations have changed and the way people work continues to shift. And with AI becoming an increasingly important part of business, we're likely to see even more change in the years ahead.
From automating everyday tasks and improving efficiencies to supporting decision-making, customer service and communication, AI is creating opportunities for businesses to rethink how they operate. But embracing new technology also means being prepared to let go of old ways of doing things.
Businesses that are willing to learn, adapt and explore new opportunities will be better positioned to make the most of these changes. Of course, it's not about adopting every new technology or replacing the human element that makes a business successful. It's about understanding where new tools can add value, free up time and allow people to focus on the things that require human judgement, creativity and connection.
Sometimes the best improvement isn't just doing something new. It's having the courage to stop doing something that no longer works and being open to what comes next.
Trying to do everything ourselves
For business owners and leaders in particular, letting go of control can be difficult. We often convince ourselves that it's quicker to do something ourselves than explain it to someone else. But constantly taking everything on can lead to unnecessary pressure, burnout and missed opportunities to develop others.
Delegation isn't about passing off work. It's about building trust, empowering people and allowing others to take ownership.
A successful business isn't built around one person doing everything. It's built around people working together and making the most of their individual strengths.
Making perfection the enemy of progress
How often do we delay starting something because we're waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan or the perfect outcome? Whether it's launching a new initiative, introducing a new process or pursuing an opportunity, sometimes we spend so much time trying to get everything right that we never actually get started. Of course, quality matters. But so does progress.
Not every decision needs endless consideration, and not every idea needs to be perfect before it gets off the ground. Sometimes we need to take the first step, learn along the way and make improvements as we go.
Forgetting to recognise the good along the way
In business, we're often so focused on what needs fixing, what needs improving and what comes next that we forget to acknowledge what's already going well. Recognising achievements, celebrating milestones and appreciating the people who contribute to our success shouldn't be reserved for annual reviews or Christmas celebrations. A little recognition can go a long way in building morale, strengthening relationships and creating a positive workplace.
Perhaps one thing we should leave behind is the habit of moving straight on to the next task without taking a moment to appreciate what we've achieved.
A little reflection can go a long way
As we approach the end of 2026, it's worth taking some time to reflect, both personally and professionally.
Ask yourself:
· What consumed too much of my time this year?
· Which habits or processes are no longer serving me or my business?
· What conversations have I been putting off?
· Where could I do things differently?
· What am I holding on to that I would be better off letting go?
It's not about dwelling on what went wrong or being overly critical of ourselves. It's about recognising that growth often comes from understanding what needs to change.
Moving forward doesn't always mean adding more to our plates. Sometimes it means making room for better things by letting go of what is holding us back.
As we head into 2027, one thing is certain, change isn't slowing down. Whether it's the way we work, the technology we embrace or the expectations we place on ourselves and our businesses, the ability to remain curious, open to learning and willing to adapt will be more important than ever.
So, let's celebrate the wins, take the lessons with us and leave behind the things that no longer serve us. After all, a fresh start isn't just about what we bring into the new year. It's also about what we choose not to carry with us.
What's one thing you're ready to leave behind in 2026?
Fresh start, new horizons and looking ahead.
Simpli-U - Staying Ahead in 2027
Staying ahead isn't about knowing everything; it's about never stop learning.
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Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant – Simpli-U
Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors
Australia-wide | Solutions all about ‘U’