How to Build Better Rhythms for a New Season
Life moves in seasons. Some transitions are obvious—starting a new job, sending kids back to school, moving to a new city, stepping into a new role. Others are more subtle—a change in schedule, shifting responsibilities, or even just a lingering sense that what used to work… no longer does.
Whatever the trigger, one thing is certain:
Every new season demands a new rhythm.
The problem is, most of us don’t pause long enough to notice when things need to shift. We keep running with the same routines and assumptions from the last season, hoping they’ll keep working. But eventually, we hit a wall. What once brought structure now feels restrictive. What once created peace now adds pressure. And we wonder what’s gone wrong.
This post is your invitation to stop, breathe, and reset. Below, you’ll find a framework to help you reflect on the past, evaluate the present, and build rhythms that fit where you are—not just where you’ve been.
Why Every New Season Needs a Rhythm Reset
There’s a reason seasonal transitions feel so disruptive. As life changes, our time, focus, and responsibilities shift. But our habits don’t always keep up. The rhythms that served you well in one season can quickly become barriers in the next.
Maybe your work schedule has changed. Maybe your evenings look different now that the kids are back in school. Maybe you’ve stepped into new leadership or picked up new responsibilities. Even subtle changes can throw off your rhythm if you’re not paying attention.
The reality is that rhythms have an expiration date. That early-morning quiet time that worked all summer might get squeezed out once school traffic returns. The weekly lunch with a coworker may disappear if you’re now working remotely. It’s not about guilt or failure—it’s simply about recognizing that new seasons require fresh structure.
And if we don’t stop to reset, we risk drifting and unnecessary frustration. Life begins to feel reactive instead of intentional. We operate out of habit, not clarity.
How to Set a New Rhythm (Step-by-Step)
Resetting your rhythm doesn’t mean reinventing everything. You just need to pause long enough to ask the right questions—and be honest about what’s no longer working.
Here’s a five-step rhythm reset you can walk through anytime life starts to shift.
Step 1: Reflect on the SEASON YOU’RE LEAVING
Before you charge ahead, take inventory. Look back on the last few months and ask:
What rhythms served me well in that season?
What consistently felt frustrating or forced?
Where did I feel aligned, focused, or fulfilled?
What habits fizzled out—and why?
This kind of reflection gives you clarity. You’ll begin to see which rhythms are worth carrying forward and which ones need to be left behind.
Step 2: Identify What’s DIFFERENT NOW
The key to creating rhythms that work is aligning them with your current reality. So ask yourself:
What’s changed in my daily or weekly routine?
What responsibilities, roles, or limitations are new?
Where is my time naturally going right now?
Even small shifts—like less daylight, more evening commitments, or a new commute—can impact your capacity. If your life has changed, your rhythms should change with it.
Step 3: NAME YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THIS SEASON
Trying to fix everything = fixing nothing.
Focus on what matters most in this season.
Ask yourself:
If I could only focus on two priorities between now and the end of the year, what would they be?
What would “progress” look like in those areas?
What could I let go of to give those priorities more space?
These questions cut through the noise and help you anchor your rhythms to what actually matters—not just what screams for your attention.
Your priorities might include:
A stronger rhythm of rest or margin
Rebuilding spiritual consistency
Family connection
Physical health and movement
Creative output or career growth
Financial clarity and stewardship
Don’t overcomplicate it. Name the top two. Let everything else be a bonus.
Step 4: Build Simple Rhythms That Support Your Focus
Now it’s time to translate those priorities into action.
The best rhythms are simple. They're sustainable. And they fit naturally into your week. Think small shifts—not massive overhauls.
Examples might include:
Setting aside Sunday evenings to review your week and calendar
Turning your phone off after 7pm to create space for family
Scheduling a weekly coffee or call to invest in a key relationship
Setting reminders to check your budget twice a month
Building in 15 minutes each morning to pray, journal, or reset
Rhythms don’t need to be complicated to be effective. They just need to be intentional and consistent.
Step 5: Don’t Do It Alone
One of the most overlooked parts of building new rhythms is having someone to walk alongside you. We weren’t designed to grow alone.
Consider who might encourage you, check in with you, or even build a rhythm alongside you. I call this your Companions and Guides—the handful of people who help you stay focused on what matters most. Even a simple conversation with one trusted friend can be the difference between drifting and moving forward.
WANT HELP CREATING YOUR RHYTHM?
If you’re stepping into a new season and want someone to help you gain clarity, set priorities, and build rhythms that actually work—I’d love to come alongside you.
You can schedule a Compass Session, where I help you walk through your current reality, define what matters most, and create a simple plan that fits your life.
It’s like a rhythm reset with a guide.
Learn more here.
Bonus Resource: Episode 83 of the Going Somewhere Podcast
This blog post pairs with Episode 83 of the Going Somewhere Podcast: New Season, New Rhythm
In it, Megan and I talk through what’s changing in our own rhythms, how we’re using the Intentional Life Guide to stay grounded, and what priorities we’re focusing on in this season. If you're looking for a companion conversation to go deeper, it’s a great listen.
🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
If life’s felt off lately—or you’re stepping into something new—don’t miss the opportunity to reset.
What worked before may not work now. That’s okay.
What matters is taking the time to name what’s changed, clarify what matters, and build a rhythm that supports it.
Every new season demands a new rhythm.
What will yours be?