What To Do AFTER the Big Day
Apr 23, 2025
What To Do After the Big Day
We all know what it feels like to gear up for a big day.
Maybe it was your company’s product launch.
Maybe it was a home renovation you finally finished.
Maybe, like me, it was Easter weekend—five services over two days, an incredible team, and a ton of heart and hard work poured into the moment.
But here’s the thing most leaders miss:
What you do after the big day is just as important as the big day itself.
I’ve learned (often the hard way) that if we don’t handle the “after” well, we can slip into exhaustion, frustration, or even disappointment—because sometimes hitting the goal doesn’t feel as good as we thought it would.
The letdown is real.
But it doesn’t have to derail you. In fact, the after is where real growth happens—if you show up for it on purpose.
Here are four essential moves for every leader after a big push:
1. Express Gratitude
First things first: breathe it in.
I had a mentor once tell me after a big capital campaign, “Take a deep breath and breathe in that rare air.” That stuck with me.
Before you rush to the next thing, stop and say thank you.
Thank God for what He’s done.
Thank the people who helped make it happen.
Pause long enough to appreciate the moment. Journal about it. Text your team. Send a few handwritten notes. Let gratitude anchor your soul.
2. Evaluate While It’s Fresh
If you wait too long, you’ll forget the details.
What worked? What didn’t? Why?
One of my favorite quick evaluation tools is simply asking:
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What was right?
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What was wrong?
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What was missing?
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What was confusing?
Capture those thoughts now—before they slip away. For me, that means jotting down ideas in my notes app, on a 3x5 card, or even on my hand if I have to.
3. Integrate Wins and Improvements
Here’s where a lot of leaders stall out.
You took notes, you had ideas for moving forward—but did anything actually change?
Reflection without action is just good intentions.
Instead, ask:
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How have I grown through this?
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What did our team do better this time?
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Where do we need to level up before the next big day?
Don’t wait a year to apply the lessons. Most changes can happen in a week if we’re intentional. Put the improvement into motion—and follow up to make sure it sticks.
4. Get Extra Rest (Don’t Skip This!)
This one might sound less important, but it’s not. It’s a critical strategy.
Big days require big energy—and recovery is part of your leadership rhythm.
Get some actual extra sleep. Do something that recharges your batteries. Remember: you’re not just resting from the work, you’re resting for what’s next.
The day after the big day doesn’t have to be a letdown.
It can be your leadership advantage—if you slow down enough to reflect, learn, and refuel.
If you’re navigating your own “day after” and could use some outside perspective, I’d love to help. Coaching leaders through these moments is one of my favorite things to do.
👉 Book a free strategy session here.
Cheering you on,
Gabe Kolstad
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