You know that split second when you realize you’re about to react the same way you always do—and then you choose differently?
Yesterday, a coaching client described this very experience. He had faced a familiar situation: a tense exchange with his team that usually left him feeling frustrated and defensive. In the past, that frustration would spill into his words and tone, closing down dialogue and leaving everyone feeling deflated.
This time was a bit different. He started to react as he always had. Then, he caught himself. He paused, took a breath, and chose a more intentional response.
It might sound simple, but it was huge. After decades in the workforce, he interrupted a pattern that had caused challenges countless times (for both him and his staff)!
When he recounted what happened, he dwelled on the stumble—the moment he started to slip into old habits. He expressed disappointment in his behavior and his struggle to change. I invited him to shift his focus: this story wasn’t about what almost happened; it was about the moment he noticed, paused, and chose differently.
We took time to celebrate that meaningful shift.
His story reminded me how often we overlook our own growth. We set goals, make progress, even reach milestones—and then focus on what didn’t go perfectly or what’s next on the list.
Change is hard. Changing ourselves is even harder.
So when you make a shift, however small, pause.
Name it. Honor it. Celebrate it.
Because every time you recognize your own growth, you strengthen it.
And that’s how transformation takes root.