Make Time For Self-Renewal: The Weekly Review
I listened to a podcast this morning where the topics of self-care and self-renewal were discussed. We have all heard a lot about the former. And, no doubt, this is a vital area of focus. But it was the latter point that really made me stop and think.
What do you do to achieve self-renewal?
I am writing this on a Friday, so what comes to mind for me is the importance of a weekly review. Many years ago, I read David Allen's fabulous book Getting Thing Done. I love his concept of maintaining a mind like a water state. Allen defines this as; A mental and emotional state in which your head is clear, able to create and respond freely, unencumbered with distractions and split focus.
A key element to enable this is the practice of a weekly review. An opportunity to take stock, review, reflect, learn, plan, and commit.
Full disclosure - I often drop off this practice. And when I do, I notice a growing sense of discomfort and unease in my general mindset, until I get back on track.
I am reminded that maintaining the discipline of the weekly review keeps me centred, focussed, purposeful, and calm.
It is a micro renewal. A reset. A new start. An opportunity to draw a line and move on.
So, I am going to recommit and make sure this is part of my weekly cadence. It is an essential part of self-care and self-renewal.
Approaches will differ. The important thing is to take the time to do whatever works for you.
Here is a weekly review list that works for me.
Collect all my loose papers and notes? What needs to be done?
What happened last week? What is to be learned? What needs action?
What's coming up?
Are my projects on track? Have I got a next step?
Who do I need to catch up with?
What else am I thinking about?
What is important to me? What needs to change?
I hope this week has treated you well. Whether it has or hasn't, the good news is the opportunity for renewal is always with you.
What do you think? I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached here and on LinkedIn.
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