Is It a New Season?

Is It a New Season?

Originally shared August 29, 2013 – True then, even truer now?

Dear Clients and Colleagues,

Wedged between the echoes of historic headlines and the long weekend ahead lies a question worth asking:

Is it a new season? And if so, how do you know?

The obvious answer might be “yes.” School’s back in session, football’s gearing up, and Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer. But technically, summer has another month to go—just ask the humidity and the ever-present mosquitoes.

So what are we really asking?

In our shared professional and personal lives, a “new season” often signals that something has shifted—voluntarily or not—and that shift calls for a thoughtful response. Maybe it’s a career move: a promotion, a new opportunity, or an unexpected ending. Maybe it’s broader: an industry shake-up, a leadership change, or new “rules of engagement” (which everyone senses, but few can define).

If you’re wondering whether you’re entering a new season—or already in one—here are a few truths that might help you name what you’re feeling:

1. Something feels different. Uncomfortably so.

The way things used to work just… doesn’t anymore. Whether it’s how people respond to you, the effectiveness of your methods, or just a subtle misalignment—you sense a shift.
Smart leaders pause here. They seek perspective. They listen. The not-so-wise push harder, clinging to old systems, ignoring feedback from those who care. That second group? Sadly, they often represent the status quo in today’s politics, organizations, and institutions.

2. Others notice before you speak.

Change has a scent. Even before you say a word, people close to you may sense that something’s different. Maybe your energy is lower. Maybe you’re quieter. More reflective.
Often, the decision to change is made for us, and we spend months catching up emotionally or professionally.
Beware of what Bruce Wilkinson calls “border bullies” in his classic, The Dream Giver—those who resist your growth, fearing what they might lose in the process. They’re not your enemies. Listen. Learn. But don’t let fear-based feedback keep you stuck.

3. Your reactions become more extreme.

In times of transition, moderation is hard to find. You’re either thrilled or terrified. Everything feels amplified. And that’s okay.
As a wise friend once told me, “Tension sparks creativity.” The trick is to channel that tension into meaningful, forward-moving steps. Not everyone will understand your urgency. They don’t need to.

4. No one else sees what you see.

This is the beauty—and risk—of personal vision.
You see something others can’t yet grasp. That passion is your power. But passion without validation can be risky.
If you can’t effectively share your vision in a way that brings others along, the change you’re aiming for might not land. Remember: vision that can’t be translated won’t be realized.

Whatever season you’re in—lean into it.

If you’re sensing a new one on the horizon, don’t ignore it. Transitions are rarely clean or linear. But they often carry within them the seeds of something better, richer, or more aligned.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories. These conversations are where learning and connection truly begin.

Wishing you clarity, courage, and a peaceful Labor Day.

Warm regards,
JG