Focus: Self Review
- personal995
- May 24, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Index
Purpose
Focus: Self Review is a section of Focus.
This page and section exists to check in and objectively review your Investing.
The more objective and honest your are, the more likely you are to face reality accurately, and in turn, the more likely you are to get beneficial outcomes.
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. What are my overarching life and career goals?
This question helps you reflect on your long-term objectives, ensuring that your daily focus aligns with your broader aspirations.
2. What specific tasks or activities contribute the most to my goals?
Identify the high-impact tasks that significantly contribute to your objectives, helping you prioritize where to direct your focus.
3. How well am I managing my time and energy?
Reflect on your time and energy allocation to assess whether you are spending resources on activities that truly matter and contribute to your overall well-being.
4. Am I regularly setting aside time for activities that promote mental rejuvenation?
Consider whether you are incorporating breaks, relaxation, and activities that align with Attention Restoration Theory to restore your mental focus.
5. Do I practice mindfulness and stay present in my daily activities?
Evaluate how often you practice mindfulness, staying fully engaged in your current tasks without being distracted by past or future concerns.
6. What distractions consistently hinder my focus, and how can I minimize or eliminate them?
Identify specific distractions and develop strategies to reduce their impact, creating a more focused and productive environment.
7. In which areas of my life or work do I feel a lack of control, and how can I regain control?
Explore areas where you may feel overwhelmed or lacking control. Develop strategies to regain a sense of control, empowering yourself to stay focused on what matters.
8. Do I regularly reassess my priorities and adjust my focus accordingly?
Consider how often you review and adapt your priorities based on changes in circumstances or goals. Flexibility is key to maintaining effective focus.
9. What habits or routines support my focus, and which ones hinder it?
Evaluate your daily habits and routines to identify those that contribute positively to your focus and those that may be counterproductive. Adjust as needed.
10. Am I fostering a healthy work-life balance, and do I feel fulfilled in both areas?
Reflect on the balance between your professional and personal life. Assess whether adjustments are necessary to ensure overall satisfaction and well-being.
11. How can I leverage the Pomodoro Technique or a similar time-management approach for focused work intervals?
Experiment with time-management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, breaking your work into focused intervals with short breaks to optimize concentration.
12. What role does music or ambient noise play in my focus, and how can I tailor my environment to enhance productivity?
Assess the impact of sound on your focus. Experiment with different types of music or ambient noise to create an environment conducive to concentration.
13. Have I considered the "eat that frog" approach to tackle the most challenging task first thing in the morning?
Embrace the "eat that frog" concept, where you tackle the most challenging or important task first thing in the morning to set a positive tone for the day.
14. How can I introduce elements of novelty or change into my routine to prevent monotony and enhance engagement?
Break the monotony by introducing novelty into your routine. This could involve changing your workspace, trying new approaches to tasks, or seeking out fresh perspectives.
15. In what ways can I leverage technology to aid focus, such as productivity apps, time-tracking tools, or focus-enhancing gadgets?
Explore the use of technology to your advantage. Consider productivity apps, time-tracking tools, or gadgets designed to enhance focus and efficiency, and also minimise distraction in your work.
17. Am I incorporating elements of the "5 Whys" technique to identify the root causes of distractions and address them effectively?
Apply the "5 Whys" technique to dig deeper into the root causes of distractions or focus issues, enabling you to implement targeted solutions.
18. Can I implement a digital detox or technology sabbatical to reset and refresh my mind?
Consider taking periodic digital detoxes or technology sabbaticals to disconnect and rejuvenate your mind, promoting sustained focus.
19. What role does physical movement play in my ability to maintain focus, and how can I incorporate micro-exercises throughout the day?
Recognize the impact of physical movement on focus and incorporate micro-exercises or brief stretches throughout the day to reenergize your mind.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Self Review Worksheet from The Workbook guided via the above Focus: Self Review.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Focus: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
To continue to learn more, move on to Focus: Lessons.
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