From break to breakthrough: how to restart with purpose

Unravelled This Week

Breaks can be transformative. They offer us a chance to step back, recalibrate, and reconnect with what truly matters. But returning after a break? That can feel surprisingly difficult.

This week, we’re exploring why restarting feels so challenging and how to realign your life in a way that that feels purpose-driven and energising.

My Personal Journey

Two years ago, I thought my goal was to become a full-time YouTuber. I consistently posted every week, even when my videos weren’t gaining much traction, I joined the world’s best YouTube accelerator programme, and I dedicated over 30 hours to editing a single video. But then I had a baby, took a break, and everything changed.

I thought returning would be simple—but it turned out to be even harder than when I first began creating content on YouTube.

What surprised me most wasn’t just the practical challenges of managing life as a new mum. It was the profound realisation that I wasn’t the same person I had been when I started.

The turning point came when I let go of who I thought I needed to be and embraced who I was becoming. Now, I’m not only back on YouTube, but I’m also on a journey that feels more aligned and deeply fulfilling.

Reflect

When you try to restart, it can feel like stepping into a conversation with your past self—and realising you no longer speak the same language. Here’s why:

1. You’ve grown, but your goals haven’t
   The goals you had before the break might not resonate anymore. Maybe they’re rooted in an old version of success that no longer aligns with your values, or they might only capture part of the bigger vision you now have for yourself. Restarting feels hard because you’re trying to fit into a mould that no longer reflects who you are or the dreams you now want to embrace.

2. Your priorities have shifted
   Breaks give you the chance to reassess what truly matters. If you’re returning out of obligation rather than passion, it’s no wonder it feels heavy.

3. Your old path isn’t the only path
   Restarting doesn’t have to mean retracing the same steps. It’s an opportunity to reimagine the journey entirely. What worked before might not work now, and that’s perfectly fine.

4. You have more insight
   Breaks often reveal what energises or drains you. Use these insights to let go of what no longer serves you and focus on what does.

If you’re curious about how I’ve put these ideas into action, here’s a video sharing how I returned to YouTube, my career, and fitness after taking a postpartum break.

Realign

Here’s how to approach restarting in a way that feels purposeful and aligned:

1. Honour the Break
   Reflect on what the pause taught you. How did it help you grow? What clarity did it bring? Instead of viewing the break as a disruption, see it as a meaningful part of your journey.

2. Energy Audit
   Meet yourself where you are now. Ask:

   • What feels energising?

   • What feels draining?

   • How have your priorities shifted?

   Build a restart plan that fits your current life, not your past expectations.

3. The Beginner’s Lens
   Restarting doesn’t mean returning to old ways of doing things. Experiment with fresh approaches that excite you and align with who you are now.

4. Momentum Ladder
   Start small. Focus on tiny, manageable actions instead of trying to dive back in all at once. Celebrate every small step to build confidence and momentum.

5. Permission Protocol
   Give yourself permission to do things differently. Rewrite the rules to reflect your current values and circumstances.

Rebuild

Restarting isn’t about returning to who you were—it’s about stepping into who you’re becoming, armed with the lessons, clarity, and strength your break has given you. This week, try the following:

1. Pick one area you’ve been hesitant to restart e.g. a passion project, a career goal, or a personal habit.

2. Reflect on how this goal aligns with who you are now. What excites you about it? How can you approach it differently this time to make it more enjoyable or meaningful?

3. Identify the smallest possible step you can take today.

4. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to build momentum.

5. Treat this restart as an experiment. Be open to trying new approaches, adapting as you go, and embracing any lessons along the way.

Breaks aren’t detours—they’re part of the journey. And in my experience, a break usually follows with a breakthrough. Trust that it's prepared you for what comes next.

What have you taken a break from that you’re hoping to restart? Feel free to reply, I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for being here. Let’s keep unravelling, one step at a time!

With gratitude