At the cusp of new beginnings many of us take time to reflect on our lives by looking back over the past and ahead into the future. We ponder the successes, failures and standout events that are slowly scripting our life’s story. This process of self reflection helps maintain a conscious awareness of where we’ve been and where we intend to go. It is pertinent to the organization and preservation of our dreams, goals and desires.

If you would like to maximize the benefits of self reflection, I have 20 questions for you. These questions should be reviewed every Sunday morning or sometime during the weekend when you have some quiet time to think. Remember, reflection is the key to progression.

1. What did I learn last week? – If you have trouble answering this question, it’s time for a change. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you should learn something new every week.
2. What was my greatest accomplishment over the past week? – Reflecting on your accomplishments is a healthy way to raise self confidence and contentment. It’s also an effective way to track your progress.
3. Which moment from last week was the most memorable and why? – It may open up your mind to new passions and goals, or simple pastimes worth revisiting.
4. What’s the #1 thing I need to accomplish this week? – Everything else is secondary, and should be treated as such. Nevertheless, this question will also shine light on other noteworthy tasks.
5. What can I do right now to make the week less stressful? – Set reminders in your calendar, get your laundry done, fill the car with gas… organize yourself.
6. What have I struggled with in the past that might also affect the upcoming week? – The idea here is to learn from your struggles and better equip yourself for future encounters.
7. What was last week’s biggest time sink? – Steer clear of this in the future. Setup physical barriers against distractions if you have to.
8. Am I carrying any excess baggage into the week that can be dropped? – Physical clutter, mental clutter… eliminate the unnecessary so the necessary may shine bright.
9. What have I been avoiding that needs to get done? – Pencil in a time to get these things done. For any 2-minute or less tasks, consider scheduling them first thing Monday morning.
10. What opportunities are still on the table? – If it’s still available and you want it, make a concrete plan to go after it this week.
11. Is there anyone I’ve been meaning to talk to? – Regular communication can solve problems before they fester. Always keep an open line of communication to those around you.
12. Is there anyone that deserves a big ‘Thank You’? – Take time each week to thank the people who have helped you. Your kind gesture will not go unnoticed.
13. How can I help someone else this coming week? – The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. If you help them, they will remember you when you need help.
14. What are my top 3 goals for the next 3 years? – You’ll never make any progress in life if you don’t setup realistic goals for yourself.
15. Have any of my recent actions moved me closer to my goals? – If the answer is no, something needs to change.
16. What’s the next step for each goal? – Knowing the next step is the key to accomplishing the whole.
17. What am I looking forward to during the upcoming week? – The answer can act as a great source of motivation. If nothing exists, schedule something to look forward to.
18. What are my fears? – Consciously address your fears each week and slowly work on resolving them. It’s all about taking baby steps.
19. What am I most grateful for? – It’s a smart way to keep things in perspective, and something you should never lose sight of.
20. If I knew I only had one week to live, who would I spend my time with? – Another helpful reminder… Life is short. Spend more time with the people you care about.

Take 30 minutes every Sunday and give yourself the gift of self reflection. It has worked wonders for me, and I am confident it will do the same for you.

Posted by: Marc. Photo by: Cesar R.

1. 我上周学到了什么? – 如果你回答不上来，就应当做些改变了。活到老，学到老。
2. 我上周最有成就的事是什么？– 回顾你的成就可以提高你的自信心和满足感。这也是衡量你进步的方式。
3. 上周哪一个时刻最值得回忆？为什么？– 这可能会给你新的目标与动力，也可能让你重温过去的美好。
4. 我这周要做的头等大事是什么？– 头等大事指：除了这一件事外，其它事都要靠后的。这个问题，还会让你关注到其它有意义的事。
5. 我现在怎么做才能让这一周不这么充满压力？– 在你的日历上标记好，洗衣服、给车加油……安排好自己的日程。
6. 上周有哪些麻烦没解决？– 这样你就回从你的麻烦上学到东西，以应对未来。
7. 上周最浪费时间的是什么？– 在以后控制好这些。如果必要你得采取一些物理上的障碍来阻挡你分心。
8. 上周拖到这周的事哪些可以不用做了？– 身体上、精神上……消除一切不必要的东西，重要的东西自然就会显露出来了。
9. 什么事是我该做的却还在逃避的？– 计划出一个时间来完成他们。如果2分钟就能完成的任务，就安排在周一的一大早首先做完。
10. 还有什么机会正在等着我? – 如果你还要把握这个机会，这周就得计划一下了。
11. 我需要和什么人聊聊么？– 经常的联络可以及早避免问题，和周围人开放的沟通。
12. 你是否要对谁说一声“谢谢”？ – 每周花时间感谢帮助过你的人。别人会注意到你的友善。
13. 这周我怎么能帮助别人? – 如果自己想要什么，就看看如何帮助别人得到它，这是最好的方式。如果你帮助他人，在你需要帮助时别人不会忘记你。
14. 我今后3年的3个主要目标是什么？– 如果你没有一个实际的目标，你就无法进步。
15. 我最近做了哪些事去接近我的目标？– 如果答案是“没有”，你就要想想如何改变了。
16. 我下一步如何去接近我的目标? – 知道下一步如何做，你才能实现整个目标。
17. 我这周想要得到什么? – 这个答案会是你的动力。如何你什么也不想要，还是应当为自己找些东西。
18. 我怕什么? – 意识到你的恐惧，就可以慢慢帮助你解决他们。只要你迈出一小步。
19. 我最感激什么? – 这可以保证你不错过什么，不忽略什么重要的东西。
20. 如果我只能再活一周了，我想和谁一起度过？ – 又一个有用的提醒……生命短暂。多和你关爱的人在一起。