If there is a season of anticipation, this is it.
October is the stretch before the holidays, the pre-game to the finish line, the lead-up to celebration and reflection on everything we’ve worked toward in 2025.
Right now is a season rich with anticipation—and if we pause to notice, that anticipation can be just as rewarding as the goals and moments we’re waiting for.
Anticipation comes in many flavors. Some of them feel exhilarating. Some feel challenging.
In both personal and professional life, anticipation is a powerful tool.
It’s the practice of looking forward with intention—mixing foresight, control, and creativity. Anticipation clarifies priorities, motivates action, and lights up the joy centers of our brains.
In fact, research from The Happiness Advantage shows that just imagining watching your favorite movie can increase endorphins by 27%. Sometimes, anticipation really is better than the moment itself.
The trouble?
We live in a culture of instant gratification. Waiting, visualizing, savoring—it often gets lost.
When we skip the process of anticipation, we miss out on:
→ Clarity from projecting forward
→ Empowerment from taking initiative
→ Momentum from visualizing the finish
→ Confidence from preparation
→ Peace from proactive thinking
→ Joy from savoring the future
Anticipation is a discipline of self-leadership. It helps us keep our eye on what matters most.
For me, anticipation is a practice built into a mastermind I am a part of with fellow business owners.
Every month, I’m forced to ask: What am I looking forward to? How am I making it happen?
That rhythm of expectation has been a gift of community, accountability, and momentum.
So, what about you?
What are you anticipating right now?
What finish lines or celebrations are you moving toward before 2025 ends?
How could intentionally practicing anticipation strengthen your leadership, your work, and your joy in this season?
Don’t miss this moment—the season before the season. It holds a gift for you.