The Discipline of the In-Between
The Discipline of the In-Between
The new moon is the quietest point in the lunar cycle — the pause before light returns. It’s the reset between endings and beginnings, when the work shifts from external to internal. In politics there’s a season like this too: that collective breath hold before outcomes, when everything is in motion, but nothing is clear.
In New Jersey, that moment is now. Campaigns are in full swing (sort of). The governor’s race and Assembly contests dominate the vibe around us. Everyone is watching, waiting, and speculating about what November will bring. But for those of us who work in and around State government, this time isn’t just about outcomes — it’s about how we hold steady in the uncertainty.
This is where discipline matters. The discipline to pause, to recalibrate priorities, to stay focused on what’s within your control while the rest of the system spins with speculation.
The new moon reminds us that darkness isn’t emptiness or inaction — it’s preparation. The unseen part of the cycle holds the foundation for what’s next. The same is true in leadership: most of the real work happens before the spotlight turns on. It’s the strategy meeting no one sees, the thoughtful pause before the public statement, the recalibration before the next big push forward.
I’ve been asking myself what that means in practice — where I might need to simplify, refocus, or recommit. Whether my time and attention reflect what matters most.
Progress doesn’t always look like motion. Sometimes it looks like patience. The leaders who last — in politics, business, or advocacy — know when to move and when to wait, when to speak and when to listen.
So, while we wait for Election Day, I’m thinking less about what will happen and more about how to show up — steady, intentional, and clear. The discipline of the in-between is quiet, but it’s what shapes everything that follows.
Eventually, the stillness will break. The next full moon — a Supermoon — rises on November 5, the day after Election Day. It will mark both culmination and illumination: a reminder that whatever unfolds, the work continues.
The new moon today feels like the calm before the political storm.
In New Jersey, with a governor’s race and the full Assembly on the ballot, everything’s in motion — and yet, we’re still waiting.
These quiet weeks test discipline: how to hold focus, measure energy, and lead with steadiness when outcomes are out of our hands.