Close the right loops
Use the interval for small fixes, deployment follow-through, and operational cleanup that should not consume a shaped project. Avoid filling it with a hidden backlog.
Reflect on the cycle
Review what the team learned about the pitch, appetite, and scope. Hillchart snapshots can make the progression and stalled areas easier to discuss.
Prepare without rushing
Shaping and betting benefit from space. Cool-down prevents the next cycle from being selected solely because it was the fastest thing to start.