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The Power of the Harvest: Why Reflection Is the Missing Step in Your Growth

Writer's picture: Sarah Pirie-NallySarah Pirie-Nally

In life and business, we’re often so focused on what’s next that we rarely stop to pause and reflect on what we’ve already achieved. We plant the seeds of new ideas, water them with effort, and watch them grow—but how often do we take the time to truly harvest the fruits of our labor?


This concept of “the harvest” is something I emphasize in my coaching program, because I see it time and time again: people get so busy with the hustle of life and business that they forget the most crucial step—stopping to reflect, process, and celebrate their wins.


Let’s break it down:


What Is “The Harvest”?


The harvest isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about intentionally recognizing what you’ve accomplished, identifying what worked (and what didn’t), and using those insights to fuel your next steps.


It’s a simple, repeatable process that I like to frame as:

  1. Wins: What did you achieve this week, month, or quarter?

  2. Lessons: What challenges arose, and what did you learn from them?

  3. Reflections: How did these experiences shape your growth or perspective?

  4. Goals: What are you working toward now, based on what you’ve harvested?

  5. Upgrades: What small shifts or improvements will help you level up next?


These steps are embedded in the activities I guide my clients through because they’re a game-changer for staying grounded and intentional.


Why Is Harvesting So Powerful? The Science of Reflection


Taking time to pause and reflect isn’t just a “nice-to-do” activity—it has real benefits backed by science:


  1. Strengthens Memory and Learning: Studies have shown that reflection consolidates learning. When you take the time to analyze an experience, your brain organizes it, solidifies it, and makes it more actionable in the future. This process is called active retrieval, and it’s essential for building on past experiences.

  2. Boosts Confidence: Reflecting on wins (even small ones) activates positive emotions and reinforces your belief in your ability to achieve more. It’s like building a mental highlight reel to draw strength from when self-doubt creeps in.

  3. Increases Resilience: Reflection helps us reframe challenges and see setbacks as stepping stones rather than failures. By identifying lessons from tough experiences, we become more adaptable and better equipped to face the future.

  4. Enhances Clarity and Focus: Without reflection, it’s easy to get stuck in autopilot—doing more, but achieving less. Reflection gives us the space to realign our actions with our bigger goals and values, ensuring we’re not just busy but purposeful.


How to Incorporate Harvesting Into Your Routine


Harvesting doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here’s a simple weekly process you can use (this is straight from my coaching program):


  1. Set Aside Time: Block 15–30 minutes at the end of each week for your harvest. Treat it as a non-negotiable date with yourself.

  2. Ask Key Questions: Use prompts like:

    • What went well this week?

    • What didn’t go as planned?

    • What surprised me or inspired me?

    • How can I build on these insights next week?

  3. Write It Down: Whether it’s a journal, digital doc, or my Weekly Harvest PDF (a favorite tool in my coaching sessions), writing solidifies your reflections and creates a record to look back on.

  4. Celebrate Your Wins: Don’t rush past your successes—big or small. Acknowledge them! Gratitude and celebration reinforce positive momentum.


Your Harvest Is Waiting


In a world that glorifies the hustle, pausing to harvest may feel counterintuitive. But trust me—it’s where the magic happens.


When you take the time to reflect, celebrate, and learn, you’re not just moving forward; you’re moving forward with intention, clarity, and purpose.


So, I’ll leave you with this: When was the last time you stopped to harvest?


If this idea speaks to you, start small. Try incorporating a weekly harvest into your routine, and watch how it transforms the way you approach growth.


And if you’d like some guidance, let’s talk—I’d love to help you build reflection into your life and business in a way that feels powerful and sustainable.


Here’s to the power of the harvest.







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