Goals: Self Review
- personal995
- May 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Index
Purpose
Goals: Self Review is a section of Goals.
This page and section exists to check in with yourself and keep ourself honest with your Goals.
The more honest your are with yourself, 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
Tip: Prior to or whilst reviewing the below you may find it useful to help understand what biases may be affecting the clarity of your thought. Review: Heuristics, Biases & Fallacies
1. What are my core values and aspirations, and how do they influence the goals I set for myself?
Consider your fundamental beliefs and long-term aspirations. Reflect on how these values shape the goals you pursue and the decisions you make in both personal and professional contexts.
2. Am I setting goals that align with my long-term vision for my life and work, or am I being influenced by external pressures or expectations?
Evaluate whether your goals are in harmony with your overarching vision for your life and career. Reflect on whether external influences, such as societal expectations or peer pressure, are guiding your goal-setting process.
3. What specific actions or steps can I take to move closer to achieving my goals, and how can I break them down into smaller, manageable tasks?
Identify concrete actions or strategies that will propel you towards your goals. Break down larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps to facilitate progress and maintain momentum.
4. Am I being realistic in my goal-setting, considering my current circumstances, resources, and limitations?
Assess the feasibility of your goals given your present circumstances, available resources, and any constraints you may face. Ensure that your goals are challenging yet attainable within your means.
5. What potential obstacles or challenges might I encounter along the way, and how can I proactively plan to overcome them?
Anticipate potential roadblocks or barriers that may impede your progress towards your goals. Develop contingency plans and proactive strategies to address challenges as they arise.
6. Do I have a support system in place to help me stay accountable and motivated towards achieving my goals? If not, how can I cultivate one?
Reflect on the importance of having a support network to provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance. Consider how you can nurture relationships or seek out mentorship to bolster your efforts.
7. How will I measure my progress towards my goals, and what indicators will signify success along the way?
Define clear metrics or benchmarks to gauge your progress towards your goals. Identify key milestones or indicators of success that will signal meaningful progress along your journey.
8. Am I open to receiving feedback, both positive and constructive, on my progress towards my goals? How can I use feedback to refine my approach and stay on track?
Reflect on your receptivity to feedback from others regarding your progress towards your goals. Embrace both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism as opportunities for growth and refinement.
9. What adjustments or revisions might be necessary to my goals or action plan as I progress? Am I flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances?
Acknowledge the potential need for flexibility and adaptation in your goal-setting process. Be prepared to make adjustments or revisions to your goals or action plan in response to evolving circumstances or new information.
10. Ultimately, how do my goals contribute to my overall sense of fulfillment and well-being in both my personal and professional life?
Consider the broader implications of your goals on your overall sense of fulfillment and well-being. Reflect on how achieving these goals aligns with your values, aspirations, and vision for a meaningful life.
11. How do I prioritize my goals when faced with competing demands or limited resources?
Reflect on your decision-making process when allocating time, energy, and resources to pursue multiple goals. Consider how you prioritize goals based on their importance, urgency, and alignment with your values.
12. What motivates me to pursue my goals, and how can I sustain that motivation over the long term?
Explore the sources of motivation that drive your goal pursuit, whether they are intrinsic (personal fulfillment, passion) or extrinsic (external rewards, recognition). Reflect on strategies to maintain motivation during challenges or setbacks.
13. In what ways do my past successes and failures influence my approach to goal-setting and achievement?
Reflect on your past experiences of success and failure in pursuing goals. Consider how these experiences shape your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards setting and achieving goals in the present.
14. How do I manage setbacks or failures in the pursuit of my goals, and what lessons can I learn from them?
Reflect on your response to setbacks or failures encountered while pursuing goals. Consider how you cope with adversity, bounce back from setbacks, and extract valuable lessons to inform future goal-setting and decision-making.
15. In what ways do my past successes and failures influence my approach to goal-setting and achievement?
Reflect on your past experiences of success and failure in pursuing goals. Consider how these experiences shape your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards setting and achieving goals in the present.
16. Do I seek out opportunities for personal growth and development in pursuit of my goals, and how do I continue to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone?
Reflect on your willingness to embrace challenges, take risks, and step outside your comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth. Consider how you can cultivate a growth mindset and seize opportunities for learning and development.
17. How do I maintain balance and well-being while striving to achieve my goals, and what strategies do I employ to prevent burnout or overwhelm?
Reflect on your ability to maintain a healthy balance between pursuing goals and prioritizing self-care, relationships, and overall well-being. Consider strategies to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and cultivate resilience amidst goal pursuit.
18. Do I celebrate my achievements and acknowledge progress towards my goals, or do I focus solely on the next milestone without pausing to reflect?
Reflect on your tendency to celebrate achievements and milestones along the journey towards your goals. Consider the importance of acknowledging progress, expressing gratitude, and celebrating successes to maintain motivation and momentum.
19. How do I navigate uncertainty and ambiguity in the pursuit of my goals, and how comfortable am I with embracing change and adapting to new circumstances?
Reflect on your ability to navigate uncertainty, ambiguity, and unexpected challenges encountered along the path to achieving your goals. Consider how you approach change, adapt to new circumstances, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
20. Am I seeking validation or approval from others in the pursuit of my goals, or am I intrinsically motivated by personal fulfillment and growth?
Reflect on your motivations for pursuing goals and whether they are driven by external validation or intrinsic satisfaction. Consider the importance of aligning your goals with your authentic values and aspirations rather than seeking approval from others.
21. How do I define success in the pursuit of my goals, and do my definitions of success evolve over time?
Reflect on your definitions of success and how they influence your goal-setting process. Consider whether your definitions of success are aligned with your values, aspirations, and evolving priorities in different stages of life.
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 Goals: Self Review.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Goals: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
If you feel you are still in explore and discovery mode, continue onto Goals: Lessons.
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