Why I always step away for a week in January 🌴
…and my reflection framework for yearly reflection and planning.
Hello everyone 👋 I’m Kate Syuma, and welcome to Growthmates.news — the newsletter where we explore growth stories to inspire your professional and personal growth. Join the community of 7,300+ Product, Design, and Growth people from companies like Amplitude, Intercom, Miro, Atlassian, Grammarly, Framer, and more.
January is different for me. I’m all for working hard — but every year, before things really kick off, I pack a backpack and head somewhere warm with my husband.
It’s become a small ritual for our family. This year, it’s extra special: we’re celebrating 13 years together.
We unplug completely before the year gets loud. Slow days. Long conversations. Uninterrupted time just for two of us (and some silence just for myself 🙏).
This pause gives me space to sit with the bigger questions:
Why am I doing the work I’m doing?
What do I want the next 3–5 years to feel like?
What am I dreaming about for myself — and for us as a family?
What deeper mission keeps tugging at me, even if I haven’t acted on it yet?
🎁 P.S. I have already shared my approach to yearly planning and some reflection questions here last year — feel free to use my Notion Template, and I hope you’ll find it useful.
I don’t always come back with clear answers. But I almost always return with a stronger sense of direction. So I’m taking a short break this January — to rest, reflect, and make space.
Wishing you a new year with more clarity, intention, and meaningful moments. 💜
P.S. How are you starting your year? I’d love to read your rituals or plans in the comments.
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This is all for today, dear readers. 💜
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With best regards,
Kate Syuma