Three Intentions I'm Carrying Into the Second Half of the Year

by Margie DuBois, CPC

July 8, 2026

The halfway point of the year is one of my favorite times to pause and reflect.

By July, we've gathered enough data to see what's working, what's not, and what may need to change. We've experienced wins worth celebrating, challenges we didn't anticipate, and habits that moved us toward or away from the life we’re trying to build.

Without a mid-year check-in, it’s easy to slip into autopilot and lose sight of the priorities we were so excited about in January.

Before I make plans for the months ahead, I like to pause and ask myself:

• What went well during the first half of the year?

• What do I want more vs. less of in my life?

• What are my non-negotiables for the rest of the year?

As I did my mid-year reflection the other week, I identified three intentions to carry into the second half of the year:

1. Spend less time on my phone.

Like most people, I’d love to spend less time on my phone.

But as I’ve thought more about this intention, I've realized it isn't just about the amount of time I spend on my phone — it’s also about when I'm using it, and why.

There are plenty of moments when I genuinely enjoy using my phone. Sometimes I end the day laughing at Instagram reels (here’s my favorite account these days), texting friends, or catching up on Marco Polo. Those moments bring me joy, and I don't regret them.

Conversely, there are other times where my phone erodes my ability to be fully present. I’ll reach for it when I sit down to read a book, go for a walk, or explore somewhere new on a vacation. Ironically, those are also some of the moments with the greatest potential for joy, creativity, and wonder. They’re experiences I don’t want to dilute with a screen.

To ensure I’m successful with making the change, I’m practicing my go-to phone boundaries, including having it out of arms reach when I’m doing focused work, eating meals, spending time with my family, or in my bed.

My husband and I are also trying leaving our phones in a box or drawer when we’re spending time together as a family or watching a favorite show. It's a simple visual reminder that our phones don't need to join every conversation or ordinary moment.

2. Protect my priorities.

Jim Collins once said: “If you have more than three priorities then you don’t have any.”

This year has been a major building year for my business. Over the past few months, I've invested in an intensive business program with Amy Porterfield while also working with a financial coach to strengthen the long-term vision for both my business and our family's future.

These investments have helped me realize something important:

If I want to build the business and life I'm dreaming about, these can't just be things I'm excited about. They have to become non-negotiables with how I spend my time.

Like so many entrepreneurs (and humans), it’s easy to get distracted by shiny objects or lose steam for challenging programs like the ones I’m in. There will always be another project, another opportunity, or another reason to put the important work on hold.

But if I don’t finish these learning experiences and put them into practice, many of the other goals I'm dreaming about simply won't happen.

So my intention for the second half of the year is simple: own these priorities to the full extent. Fall in love with the process, and see it through.

3. Make last-minute plans with people who matter the most.

When I became a full-time business owner and mom, I noticed that scheduling plans with friends became more challenging. In my case, it wasn’t because of a full calendar or the effort it took to make the plans, but what would happen when the plans arrived.

More often than not, one person (or family) would be tired, sick, or didn’t have the energy we thought we'd have. Following through on the plans often felt exhausting and stressful. And then it would feel like months until we could see each other again.

Looking back at this year, I’ve realized that most of my favorite memories weren’t on the calendar for weeks. They were the spontaneous front porch conversations, impromptu walks, or last-minute group dinners that happened because someone simply decided to reach out. They also required the least planning, felt less stressful, and somehow brought the most joy.

Moving forward, my husband and we want to approach community differently by leaning into spontaneity.

We want to become the kind of neighbors who send a text that says: "We're throwing steaks on the grill tonight. Want to come over?"

No elaborate planning, no perfectly clean house, no getting dressed up. Just creating room for ordinary moments with friends and neighbors who matter the most.

. . .

As you think about the months ahead, I'd encourage you to carve out five minutes and ask yourself:

• Where can you give yourself more credit?

• What do you want more vs. less of in your life?

• What actions could you take today that would help you show up as the person you want to become?

Then imagine waking up on January 1 of next year and realizing this became one of your most fulfilling years. What did you do to make it happen?

The second half of the year doesn't have to be about doing more. It’s often about being more intentional with what you know you already need to do.