It is the end of the financial year in Australia, which makes this a natural moment for business owners to pause, reflect and reset.In this short school holiday episode, Make Time host Sam Hurley explores the “fresh start effect” and why the beginning of a new financial year can create the motivation and mental space to ask bigger questions about what comes next.Sam invites small business owners to look back at the past 12 months, review what has worked, understand what needs strengthening, and most importantly, ask themselves what they really want from the year ahead.Because while AI can help you explore ideas, analyse information and open up new possibilities, it cannot decide what matters most to you.This episode is a prompt to think beyond constraints and imagine the best case scenario for your business, your work and your life over the next financial year.Whether you are looking for new customers, exploring overseas markets, rethinking your offer, navigating a tough market or simply trying to reconnect with the work that brings you joy, this is a timely reminder to pause before you push forward.In this episodeSam explores:Why the end of financial year is a powerful reflection point for business ownersHow the fresh start effect can support motivation and momentumThe importance of asking what you actually want before setting goalsWhy AI can help you explore possibilities but cannot define your direction for youHow small businesses can use technology to access capabilities that once felt out of reachWhy changing market conditions can also create space to rethink, refocus or repositionThe value of finding customers, markets and opportunities that recognise your worthKey reflection questionWhen you look ahead 12 months from now, what would the best case scenario look like for your business and your life?Listen if you areReviewing your business at the end of the financial yearFeeling ready for a reset but unsure where to focusWondering what AI could make possible for your businessConsidering a shift in your market, offer or directionWanting to reconnect with the kind of work you actually enjoyLooking for a simple but meaningful way to start the new financial yearChapter markers00:00 A quick school holiday episode00:20 The end of financial year as a reflection point00:45 Understanding the fresh start effect01:20 Looking back at what worked and what needs strengthening01:45 Asking what you really want from the next 12 months02:30 Imagining the best case scenario03:05 How AI is opening up new possibilities for small business03:50 Using the school holidays to pause and reflect04:20 Rethinking markets, customers and the work you enjoy05:10 Navigating tough conditions and finding new relevance05:45 Starting the new financial year with intentionIf you are ready to use the new financial year as a reset point, take some time this week to review where you have been, what you have learned, and what you want to build next.And if you are ready to grow with more clarity, confidence and capability, keep an eye out for the next cohort of 25eight’s Next Level Growth Program, sign up for our newsletter to be first to know - https://www.25eight.co/newsletter-signup