Saying Goodbye to Winter: Reflections from the Slopes

Illustration of a snowboarder in winter gear gliding down a snowy slope, wearing a maroon and pink outfit with the number 22 on the vest. The background features stylized snow-covered trees and clouds. A bright yellow sun shines in the sky. To the left, the KBS CFO logo appears above bold maroon text that reads: 'Saying Goodbye to Winter: Reflections from the Slopes.

Another ski trip is in the books, and as I pack away my gear I can’t help but reflect on what winter and the slopes taught me this year. Skiing is more than just a hobby; it’s when I step away from the everyday rush, clear my mind, and quietly assess the past year.

In business, it’s easy to jump from one busy season to the next without stopping to catch your breath. There’s always something pulling your focus: the next project, the next goal, the next decision. But I’ve learned that stepping back to reflect, even briefly, often reveals insights that would’ve been missed.

The Power of Reflection

For me, skiing has become a yearly checkpoint. While moving down the slopes, I naturally start reviewing the past year: What worked? What didn’t? What did I achieve, and where did I fall short?

  • Look ahead to where you want to go.
  • Plant your pole.
  • Pivot and turn.
  • Set your next target.

Much like skiing, running a business means adjusting to the conditions around you. But without these moments to look back and learn, it’s easy to navigate forward without the clarity you need to make intentional, strategic decisions.

Lessons from the Mountain

Years ago on a ski trip, a skilled instructor gave me a piece of advice that completely changed the way I approach difficult slopes. Instead of focusing on the entire run and letting the magnitude of it overwhelm me, I was taught to break it down:

Rather than seeing the mountain as one big, scary descent, I learned to tackle it turn by turn. One small move at a time, I worked my way down safely—and even enjoyed myself in the process.

That advice has stuck with me, not just in skiing but in business as well. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you focus too much on the big picture: the challenges, the unknowns, the ‘what-ifs.’ But if you take things step by step, setting small, achievable targets and adjusting as you go, even the steepest business challenges become manageable.

Do You Take Time to Reflect?

Another important lesson I’ve learned is to give yourself permission to step away. Taking time to reflect doesn’t mean losing momentum, it means ensuring that your next moves are intentional and strategic. Some of my best ideas for KBS CFO have come not while sitting at my desk, but being away from it with the time and space to let my mind wander.

Reflection also creates the space to make more aligned decisions as your business grows. Those reflective moments lay the groundwork for transforming growth into long-term success.

As winter melts into spring, I encourage you to ask yourself: do you take the time to clear your mind, evaluate your progress, and acknowledge your wins and losses? Or do you push forward without pause, missing the valuable insights that reflection can provide?

I challenge you to invest a little time in your own “mind space.” It may just be the most valuable investment you make this year. Looking for a financial partner that helps you plan for the future with the same strategic mindset? Contact us today.