At some point in your leadership journey, you’ve likely felt stuck. Maybe the strategies that once worked for you are no longer producing results. Maybe you’ve lost the sense of excitement that once fueled your work. Or maybe you’re feeling drained, wondering how much longer you can keep up this pace. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone.
The truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategies, execution, or driving results—it’s also about navigating the personal and professional seasons of life. This is where The Cycle of Renewal, developed by the Hudson Institute of Coaching, provides an essential framework. It helps leaders understand the natural, predictable phases of growth and transition, offering a guide for moving forward with clarity and intention.
Understanding the Cycle of Renewal
The Cycle of Renewal, as outlined by the Hudson Institute, consists of four distinct phases:
Go For It – High energy, high output.
Doldrums – Stagnation, dissatisfaction, or burnout.
Cocooning – Reflection, reassessment, and reimagining.
Getting Ready – Preparing for the next phase of growth.
Let’s explore each phase and what it means for leaders navigating change.
1. The "Go For It" Phase: When Everything is Working—Until It’s Not
This phase is characterized by momentum, confidence, and productivity. Leaders in this stage feel on top of their game, executing effectively, making an impact, and feeling aligned with their work. It’s a period of peak performance where opportunities feel abundant.
However, what often goes unnoticed is that over time, the strategies that got you here may not be the ones that take you forward. Leaders who stay in "Go For It" mode too long without pausing for reflection can find themselves heading straight into the next phase: The Doldrums.
2. The Doldrums: When Energy Fades and Motivation Dips
The Doldrums is a natural but often uncomfortable phase. You might feel disengaged, uninspired, or exhausted. For leaders, this stage can be especially difficult because it clashes with the expectation to be strong, decisive, and always "on."
Many leaders try to push through the Doldrums by working harder. But this phase isn’t something to be muscled through—it’s a signal. It’s an invitation to step back, reassess, and determine what needs to shift. Ignoring it often leads to deeper burnout, frustration, or even poor decision-making.
3. Cocooning: The Essential Pause for Growth
Cocooning is where transformation happens. In this phase, leaders must step away from constant action and instead engage in reflection. This is the season of questioning, reevaluating priorities, and seeking clarity about what’s next.
While it can feel unproductive, this stage is essential. It’s where leaders rediscover purpose, recalibrate their values, and make decisions that align with their evolving vision. It’s a time to seek mentorship, invest in personal development, and embrace curiosity.
In a world that rewards action, taking time to cocoon may feel counterintuitive. But skipping this phase often results in leaders making decisions that don’t truly serve them—or their teams.
4. Getting Ready: The Foundation for Your Next Chapter
Once clarity begins to emerge, leaders enter the "Getting Ready" phase. Here, new ideas, goals, and aspirations take shape. You may find yourself energized again, eager to test new approaches and ready to take on fresh challenges.
This stage is about building momentum, setting the foundation for the next "Go For It" cycle—but this time, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Leaders in this phase feel recharged, more intentional, and better equipped to handle what’s ahead.
Why The Cycle of Renewal Matters for Leaders
Leadership isn’t a straight path; it’s a series of seasons. The best leaders don’t resist change—they learn to recognize which phase they’re in and respond accordingly. Here’s why understanding this cycle matters:
Prevents burnout: Recognizing the signs of the Doldrums early can help leaders take proactive steps before reaching full exhaustion.
Encourages self-awareness: Leaders who embrace the cycle gain clarity on when to push forward and when to pause.
Supports long-term effectiveness: Sustainable leadership isn’t about endless action—it’s about knowing when to reset and realign.
Moving Forward: Where Are You in the Cycle?
Take a moment to reflect: Where do you see yourself in the Cycle of Renewal? Are you riding the wave of success in "Go For It" mode? Are you stuck in the Doldrums? Are you in a reflective Cocooning phase? Or are you Getting Ready for your next move?
No matter where you are, know that it’s part of a natural rhythm. Leadership—and life—isn’t about staying in one phase forever. The most effective leaders learn to navigate the cycle with awareness and intention.
Final Thought: You don’t have to go through the cycle alone. Seek out trusted advisors, coaches, or peers who can help you move through transitions with clarity and confidence.
Attribution: The Cycle of Renewal framework is developed by the Hudson Institute of Coaching. For more on their work, visit Hudson Institute.