Change is in the air

School is starting next week here in Montana. This year is a bit different. We have a first grader and pre-k. But for the first time in 15 years, I took a break this summer.

Here are a few things I noticed:

Time. It is fleeting. And routine seems to be one of the things that protect it. While I had big intentions of getting organized, this summer became more about being present with my kids. Turns out “presence” and “productivity” often clash. My days blurred between camps, daycare drop-offs, pool time, and endless laundry. The lesson? Time will always fill itself unless you’re ruthless about where you put it and sometimes you what you set out to do, isn’t the most important. 

Identity. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been “a hard-working professional who gets results.” My worth was tied to productivity. Without the constant hum of 8 a.m. meetings, leading teams, or big conferences, I’ve had to ask: who am I when I’m not achieving? I’ve tried to mask by throwing myself into  other things like cleaning the house etc but I’m learning to sit with that question instead of rushing past it.

Attention. Yesterday at the park, I played soccer with my son. He got all of me in that moment. No phone, no email, no mental to-do list. And the difference was obvious. We all live with split attention, and it’s exhausting. I wonder what could change in our work and relationships if we gave our full focus more often.

Energy. This one I’ve been sitting with a lot. The energy we bring into the world defines what comes back to us. If I show up open, grateful, hopeful, opportunities appear. Maybe they were always there and plentiful, I just wasn’t able to see them before. Protecting your energy might actually be the most important work of the day.

As we close out summer (sadly), I’m welcoming structure again. Jason and I are pouring our energy into building the Arcadia Constellation - a community we have been craving ourselves. A place for leaders who want more than the grind, who are curious about what it looks like to lead with both ambition and humanity. Alongside that, we are relaunching our podcast and stepping into what is next with fresh eyes.

All of this has me thinking about seasons. How every shift in rhythm, whether it is school starting or stepping into new work, offers a chance to reset. A coach I have been learning from shared that in the Kabbalistic tradition, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (9/22), is exactly that. It is a time to reassess, release judgment, and realign with positive change. And, while I am not Jewish, a new year in the season of harvest and beginnings feels so natural to me rather than trying to force renewal in the dead of winter. So, heres to a great year.

As always, Be Great, Be Arcadia. 

Sam

PS. If you know someone who would enjoy this, we’d so appreciate you sharing!