“I will keep constant watch over myself and – most usefully – will put each day up for review. For this is what makes us evil – that none of us looks back upon our own lives. We reflect only upon that which we are about to do. And yet our plans for the future descend from the past.”
Seneca
One of the most impactful habits I have added to my routine is a morning preview and an afternoon/evening review. Doing this has enhanced my ability to focus on only what is most important and ensure that I hold myself accountable for what I committed to accomplishing on any given day.
Try taking five minutes in the morning to start your day with focus and intention. Then follow up at the end to take stock of your performance against your plans for the day.
Here are the questions I am currently using in my “Kickstart” and “After Action Review” journal. Give something like this a shot; you might find it to be a very beneficial exercise.
XX/XX/21 – 2021 – Day Focus Headline:
AM Kickstart:
Today I am grateful for…
What would make today great? What is the most important thing I must accomplish today?
Daily Affirmation Statement:
PM After Action Review:
Three things that happened today?:
Did I achieve my specific focus goal for the day? Why / Why Not?:
How could I have made today better?: