Your Perfect Timing: An Unexpected New Year's Perspective
Donna J. Spina PCC Business Leadership Career ICF Coach
Start With Heart People Leader | FOCUSED Solopreneurs, Micro Business Owners | Executives Advance Without Burnout | Animal Lover
December is the month we get to decide what we are taking forward into the New Year and what (or who) we no longer wish to carry.
In the movie New Year’s Eve, Hilary Swank’s character, Claire Morgan, was responsible for the New York City’s famed Times Square ball. It had to be in place and ready to drop within 10 seconds of the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
That segment of the story was focused on the ball’s mechanical malfunction, endangering the seamless send off into the new year as well as Claire’s job.
To buy a little time, shift perspectives, and quell the nerves of the anxious associated parties, Claire gave this touching speech.
“The ball has stopped, halfway on its perch.
It’s suspended there to remind us all as we pop the champagne to celebrate the New Year,
to stop… and reflect on the year that has gone by.
To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken.
The times we opened ourselves up to great adventure… or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt.
Because that is what New Year’s is all about, getting another chance…
a chance to forgive,
to do better,
to do more, give more, love more,
…and stop worrying about “what if” and start embracing “what will be”.
So, when that ball drops, and it will drop, let’s remember to be nice to each other.
Kind to each other.
And not just for one night, but all year long.”
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This message reminds us that even when faced with unexpected challenges, we remain the architects of our response. Like Claire's suspended ball, every pause—whether chosen or thrust upon us—offers a hidden gift: the chance to reflect, recalibrate, and uncover opportunities we might have missed at full speed.
Whether in the spotlight of public scrutiny or the privacy of our own deliberations, these moments of suspended time aren't setbacks—they're platforms for discovery and renewed purpose.
As we approach 2025, remember that every pause in your journey isn't just a moment of suspended time—it's your chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine. When your own ball drops (and it will drop), may it be with purpose, on your terms, revealing opportunities that only you could discover. Here's to a year of embracing not just what if, but what will be—with kindness to ourselves and others, not just for one moment, but for all the moments ahead.
Wishing you a year of meaningful pauses and purposeful moves forward,
Warmest regards,
Donna
P.S. Here’s the New Year’s Eve movie clip of Claire Morgan’s speech YouTube link:
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ABOUT DONNA
Donna J. Spina PCC CPC ELI-MP works with high achieving analytical thinkers: Micro Business Owners, Solopreneurs, and Executives globally who are struggling with reinvention, work/life integration, having authentic conversations, performance, transition, team management, or are unable to break through a revenue ceiling. Donna brings clarity, FOCUS, and order to their internal and external chaos to reveal more confidence for advancement and monetize business opportunities. As an Empathetic Teacher, Illuminating Guide, and Disruptive Think Partner, Donna’s core approach consists of a creative, customized consulting and coaching process. complimented by science backed tools. When strengthening the muscle between her client’s ears, there is a ripple effect on both their business, career, and life.