by Mandy Green, Busy Coach
One strategy that I use in my time management routine I feel has been extremely effective is Reflection.
Reflection can be a valuable tool as you are searching to learn what should be eliminated or what you should continue to do as you are building your program. It’s how you acquire knowledge about yourself as a coach and about the work you are doing for your program. And the more knowledge you have, the more likely you are to get to where you want to go. This knowledge will allow you to stop the cycle of working harder and harder until you collapse, you can then begin to work smarter.
There are 3 times when I think you should reflect…
Create time for reflection at the end of each day, week, and month– a time to go back over, to study again the things you’ve learned and the things you’ve done each day. Reflect on what you did, what worked, what obstacles you encountered, what you can do better next month, etc.
At the end of the day. Review the day so that it locks firmly in your memory so that it serves as a tool.
Did you accomplish your goals?
How was your focus?
When were your high- and low- energy times?
Was there a time where you were interrupted a lot?
How were you with only checking your email one or two times a day?
Finally, did you get your high-priority tasks done?
At the end of the week. Take at least 30 minutes at the end of the week to reflect on the week’s activities – I would suggest at least one half-hour. Also during that weekly time, take a few minutes to reflect on how this material should be applied to your life and circumstances.
At the end of the month. Take a half-day at the end of the month and a weekend at the end of the year so that you’ve got what works and that you continue to make these things habits, and part of your routine. This will ensure that the past is even more valuable and will serve your future well.
By taking 5 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your performance as coach, it can provide you with some very valuable information that you can use to make further improvements to how you are working or what you are working on.