Planning: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
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 goals or objectives in life and work?
Encourages reflection on long-term aspirations and priorities.
2. How do my current actions align with my values and aspirations?
Prompts consideration of whether your daily activities are consistent with your core beliefs and goals.
3. What are the biggest challenges or obstacles I'm facing in achieving my goals?
Helps identify potential barriers and areas for improvement.
4. What strategies have been most effective in the past for achieving success?
Encourages reflection on past experiences and lessons learned to inform future planning.
5. How effectively am I managing my time and resources?
Prompts evaluation of time management skills and resource allocation to optimize productivity.
6. Am I regularly setting and reviewing goals for myself?
Encourages the establishment of clear objectives and ongoing assessment of progress.
7. What areas of my life or work do I need to prioritize more effectively?
Prompts consideration of where to focus efforts for maximum impact and fulfillment.
8. Am I open to feedback and willing to adapt my plans as needed?
Encourages humility and flexibility in response to feedback and changing circumstances.
9. What steps can I take to better integrate my personal and professional goals?
Encourages exploration of ways to create harmony and balance between different aspects of life.
10. How am I currently organizing my tasks and priorities?
Prompts reflection on existing systems and identifies potential areas for improvement in organization and prioritization.
11. What specific steps can I take to break down larger goals into manageable tasks?
Encourages the development of actionable plans and strategies for achieving long-term objectives.
12. Am I effectively utilizing tools or techniques for time management and productivity?
Prompts evaluation of time management practices and exploration of new tools or methods to enhance productivity.
13. How am I allocating resources (time, money, energy) to support my goals?
Encourages consideration of resource allocation and potential adjustments to ensure alignment with priorities.
14. What systems can I implement to track progress and monitor goal achievement?
Prompts exploration of tracking systems and metrics to measure progress and stay accountable.
15. Am I regularly reviewing and adjusting my plans based on changing circumstances or feedback?
Encourages adaptability and responsiveness to feedback, allowing for continuous improvement in planning strategies.
16. How can I leverage technology or automation to streamline my preparation and planning processes?
Prompts exploration of technology tools and automation solutions to optimize efficiency and reduce manual effort.
17. What strategies can I employ to minimize distractions and maintain focus on my goals?
Encourages identification of distractions and development of strategies to mitigate them, fostering greater concentration and productivity.
18. Am I seeking input or collaboration from others in my planning process?
Promotes collaboration and the exchange of ideas to gain diverse perspectives and enhance planning effectiveness.
19. How can I create a supportive environment or routine to facilitate consistent preparation and planning?
Encourages reflection on environmental factors and routines that impact preparation and planning, promoting the creation of conducive habits and spaces.
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.
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