There is a tendency when someone first starts learning about productivity to think that a personal productivity system is only there to make sure that tasks get done. But that’s only half of the story.
Getting really productive requires not only doing the things that need doing, but also reflecting on how well you did at getting those things done, or why you didn’t–and using that information to plan for the future.
This process of reflection should happen regularly. In fact, the reflection involves more than it lets on. It’s actually a reflection, reappraisal, reordering, and preparation.
Reflection can be a difficult task. There’s usually not a regimented or simple way to do it. But however you do it, it requires an honest evaluation of what happened, as well as a commitment to learn from it. That’s not always easy to do, and there’s not a single process to facilitate it.
But if you can find a process that works and make it a habit, it will change your life. It will take those completed (or incomplete) to-do lists and turn them into something much more useful.
Make Reflection A Habit
The Today System makes this difficult task of reflection a bit easier with a simple tool: the scoresheet “Weekly Reflection” tab. It contains 2 elements to simplify and direct the process of reflection: a weekly score and 3 prompts
The weekly score gives you a number that helps you understand how well you did in setting intentions for your days, and following through on those intentions.
The columns for notes pose 3 prompts to get you thinking about your week.
- Week notes
Go wild. Just write your thoughts and feelings about the week. It can be as long or short, as simple or detailed as you like. It’s all about getting your thoughts and feelings down in text. - Why the change?
If there’s a significant dip or jump in this week’s score, explain it. Here’s your chance to unearth either mistakes to correct or best practices to solidify, when it comes to filling out your card each day. - What should I do in the coming week based on this?
Simply answer the question, but do so by using a few action phrases. Talk about specific actions you’ll try to take this week to improve how you use the cards to get or stay productive.
Below is a sample from my own personal weekly reflection tab.
This is just one method of reflection. It may work for you, it may not. And if it doesn’t, find what does. Because without regular reflection, a pile of completed tasks and a batch of uncompleted ones sitting on tomorrow’s list will have a lot less meaning to you.
