“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Around this time each year, we start to hear a lot about how we only have so many days left in the year, so we’d better hurry up and do that thing we said we were going to do. I’m all for keeping yourself accountable and maintaining consistent momentum toward your goals, but one thing I’ve seen in my clients and experienced myself time and again is how much we actually have to stop doing to get to where we want to be.

God’s confirmed that He’s been calling me to prune both interiorly and in my business. The good news is that when you prune something, it comes back stronger—with fuller flowers or more fruit. But pruning means cutting away (and exercising a lot of humility).

Working toward our goals requires just that: cutting something away to make room for what we feel called to. Pruning is part of the process, but it’s not easy. So, while you may be feeling pressure to accelerate or be more for the end of the year, I’d like to invite you to pause and prune for a moment before you continue on your way.

Permission to Pause

If you don’t already practice self-reflection, now is always a good time to start. Take some time to put pen to paper weekly and monthly to look back on what you’ve been blessed with, how far you’ve come, and the challenges you’ve faced. This reflection helps you see where God is working in your life.

You’ll start to notice patterns and themes. Whether you’re noticing the positive or the negative, offer up a prayer of gratitude for what is working, and make a commitment to adjust what’s not working. The more you intentionally notice, the deeper you can go, whether in prayer, relationships, or your business.

How to Prune

You may be feeling called to stop doing something to make room for a priority or a new idea. It can feel uncomfortable and exciting at the same time. Letting go of the familiar can create uneasy feelings, because we don’t know how it will all work out. On the other hand, there is also excitement about fresh inspirations and creating something new.

As a theater major, I can say this stage often feels a lot like pre-show jitters. We can either choose to live in fear, or we can use all that pent-up energy for a great performance. Which choice will take you further? Which choice gives glory to God and impacts your circle of influence?

Persevere

Since pruning is about stripping away for fruit to come later, it’s hard work—hard to let go and hard to wait. That’s normal; it means you have to persevere to bear fruit. The only way you can do so is by asking the Lord to help you detach from your expectations and wait with you. He is, and He will.

If you’re feeling called to adjust your annual goals or pull back a little before the end of the year so you can enjoy the fruit in the next, give yourself permission to do just that. God’s plans are always greater. Trust in Him and in your journey.

Liz Montigny is a Catholic life coach for women and retreat leader. She coaches her clients to reach their goals with grace instead of hustle. Liz lives with her husband and their three boys in Massachusetts where she homeschools and builds her theatre ministry. Connect with her at lizmontignycoaching.com.