When everything changes, and there’s little time for practically anything, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities without reflecting on our daily experiences.
For the last year or so, I’ve been actively journaling. And I find self-reflection in my journals a powerful tool for personal growth.
By asking myself probing questions, I delve deeper into my thoughts, emotions, and actions and, more often than not, gain valuable insights that help me later.
I want to explore some of these questions in this Top of Mind with you.
What Is the Theme of the Day?
Identifying an overarching theme for the day will help you focus on it and let you know what to do. Setting your theme establishes a guiding principle that can shape your mindset and activities throughout the day.
Recognizing your theme helps you align your goals with your actions.
What Can I Drop Today?
I believe in “Do It Tomorrow”: No, “DIT” is not being lazy. You defer things to tomorrow to do more important things today. Knowing what not to do is as important (if not more) than knowing what to do.
Evaluate your to-do list and allow yourself to drop any non-essential activities or obligations. Free up time and energy. Create space for more meaningful and essential tasks.
What concrete actions will I take toward my goal today?
Progress towards your goals is achieved through consistent action. Identify specific actions today to move closer to your desired outcomes. Break down your goals into manageable steps and commit to at least one concrete action daily.
Knowing what to do cultivates a sense of purpose and momentum.
What was the highly-visible artifact of my work?
Acknowledging the visible artifacts of your efforts reinforces a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to continue making meaningful contributions.
Realizing the impact you’ve made motivates you further. Also, when you create a log of your achievements, it will be helpful when you want to look back in time and admire your list of accomplishments.
What was the highly-visible relationship trail?
Our connections and relationships are vital in our personal and professional lives. Who you know can be much more important than what you know, especially when your impact grows in the organization.
So, consider your interactions throughout the day and reflect on your impact on others. Did you provide support, guidance, or inspiration?
Assessing your relationship trail helps you nurture meaningful connections and fosters a positive social environment.
What are three things I am grateful for today?
These gratitude exercises are a bit corny; however, research after research demonstrates how important it is to express your gratitude and blessing in your lives.
So I decided to bite the bullet and answer this question as part of my daily routine, and it helps.
You can take a moment to identify three things you are grateful for each day. They can be small moments of joy, supportive relationships, personal achievements, or simply the beauty of nature. Practicing gratitude fosters contentment and encourages a perspective of abundance.
What made me feel happy, proud, or fulfilled yesterday?
This question is also related to the above gratitude question. Again, reflecting on your positive emotions from the previous day reinforces a sense of fulfillment and self-worth.
Consider the moments that brought you joy, pride, or a deep sense of fulfillment. By acknowledging these experiences, you can identify patterns or activities that contribute to your overall well-being and incorporate more of them into your life.
How did I take care of my physical and emotional well-being yesterday?
Being a software developer means I spend most of my day sitting comfortably on a chair, with little to no physical activity. Yet, caring for your physical and emotional well-being is crucial for a balanced and healthy life.
So this question forces me to asses what I did for my physical and mental health and then forces me to go out grudgingly, walk for a couple of hours, breathe fresh air, and enjoy nature without any reservations or commitments.
As its name implies, self-care can only be done by yourself. Recognize your need, and take action toward it.
What are my goals or intentions for tomorrow?
Looking ahead, set clear goals or intentions for the following day. Consider what you want to accomplish, how you want to feel, and the actions you need to take to align with your aspirations.
By visualizing my goals and intentions, I orient myself toward them. That helps increase the likelihood of achieving them or moving in the right direction.
How can I better manage my time, energy, and resources tomorrow?
Reflecting on how effectively you managed your time, energy, and resources the previous day is helpful. This reflection enables me to refine and redefine my approach and correct course when needed.
What was the most memorable or impactful moment of yesterday?
Human memory is not that tangible. So the earlier I reflect upon something that has happened, the better. Chances are that I will not remember what was the memorable thing a week ago. But since yesterday is so close, I try to capture my impact before it fades away from my memory.
This monologue about what you have achieved and the impact you’ve made can be a heartwarming conversation. Maybe a challenging situation taught you a valuable lesson, or you have done an unexpected act of kindness. Reflecting on these depends on your appreciation of those experiences. And that allows you to carry your learnings forward.
Conclusion
Incorporating probing questions into your daily journaling practice can lead to profound personal growth. But it doesn’t have to be a journal per se; if you are not a writer type, you can sit down, eliminate all distractions and just “think” about these questions. I’m sure any form of self-reflection will bring you self-discovery and fulfillment.
And that way, today’s “top of mind.”
Until next time… May the source be with you 🦄.
