Reevaluation: A Lifelong Journey

Reevaluation (noun): The evaluation of something a second time—or more.

As a coach, I’ve learned that words mean different things to different people depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. When I’m working with a client, I often ask what a particular word means to them before we move forward.

For example, if someone tells me they want to be “organized,” I’ll ask what being organized looks like to them. For me, it’s ordered chaos. For a friend of mine, it means a balanced budget and a strict schedule. The word is the same, but the meaning is completely different.

That’s why I wanted to begin this article with a definition of reevaluation.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on a decision I made earlier this spring—to make a major life change and, as I described it in a previous article, “break everything.” Since leaving my job, I’ve had time for therapy, yoga (no, I still haven’t mastered the handstand), vacation, and simply being present while school let out for the summer.

Looking back now, I can honestly say I’m in a significantly better place.

I can think more clearly. I feel better physically, and emotionally I feel grounded again. Four months ago, so much of that was missing.

I have more time with my kids, and interestingly, I’m busier now—but with purpose. I’m no longer consumed by commuting, work, and trying to juggle every responsibility at once. I was also able to be there for a parent who needed support—something I simply couldn’t have done before.

The bottom line? I’m living a better life.

So why write about reevaluation?

Because I’ve realized something important: I needed far more time to reset than I originally thought.

When I left my job, I felt pressure to launch my coaching business immediately. I wanted to hit the ground running. But the truth is, I wasn’t ready.

So I reevaluated.

I asked myself what was most important in that moment. The answer wasn’t building a business at full speed. It was getting myself centered and making sure my kids were in a good place.

Then I realized something else.

I’d never had a summer with my children where I wasn’t also working. So I made the decision to truly be present with them.

Once I became comfortable with that decision, another feeling surfaced.

The discomfort of not bringing in a paycheck.

So…now what?

This is where reevaluation becomes so valuable.

I started asking myself some questions.

What feels uncomfortable—and why?

I’m feeling inadequate because I’m not bringing in income right now. It makes me feel dependent on someone else, and that’s uncomfortable.

Is it my ego?

Yes.

Is it pride?

Absolutely.

Is that discomfort enough to change my goal of having a meaningful summer with my kids?

Not necessarily.

Do I need to change anything? If so, what—and why?

Yes.

I need to continue building my coaching business and attracting clients, but not at the expense of this time with my children. I need to know I’m moving toward my goals without compromising my priorities.

See what happened there?

I reevaluated my situation.

Nothing dramatic changed. But when something doesn’t sit right, it’s worth asking yourself what’s really happening beneath the surface. What isn’t working? What still aligns with your values? What needs to shift?

Reevaluation isn’t the same as constantly changing your mind. It’s not about floundering or flip-flopping every time life feels uncomfortable.

It’s about creating space to pause, reflect, and determine whether your actions still align with the life you’re trying to build.

Sometimes the answer is to keep going.

Sometimes it’s to pivot.

Sometimes it’s simply to give yourself more grace and more time.

Reevaluation is a lifelong practice. It’s an essential part of self-awareness, personal growth, and living intentionally.

Don’t be afraid to check in with yourself.

Ask the hard questions.

Challenge your assumptions.

Realign when necessary.

Because the goal isn’t to live the life you think you should be living.

The goal is to create the life you truly want to live.