Looking back at the end of each month can be an incredibly powerful tool for personal growth and development that is foundational to the success of your business.

While there are certainly psychological and emotional benefits to reflecting on your progress and performance at the end of each month, there is also scientific evidence to support the power of this habit.

SCIENCE-Y MOMENT HERE

Research has shown that reflecting on past experiences can help to reinforce learning and memory, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving skills in the future. When we reflect on our experiences, our brain engages in a process called consolidation, which involves strengthening the connections between neurons in the brain that are involved in learning and memory.

This process helps to reinforce the neural pathways that are associated with our past experiences and can make it easier for us to recall and apply what we have learned in the future. 

And as a bonus, when we review our accomplishments and successes, our brain releases dopamine, which can help to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage us to continue working towards our goals. This is also known as the “Progress Loop” where success begets success. 

Reflection is a tool

It’s so important to evaluate your past month’s results and achievements, so you can gather your lessons from each month to inform your approach and goals for the next.

It’s pointless to have the same aims and methods moving forward if they didn’t show any promise for the last 30 days, right?

One of the biggest benefits of this habit is that it provides an opportunity for both self-awareness and performance-awareness. 

By reviewing your gaps and gains at the end of each month, you can see what worked and what didn’t, see where there might be leaks or lag in your processes. This helps you identify whether you can improve or pivot in real time. 

Make it a Habit… 

To Celebrate Your Wins: 

When you take the time to review your performance each month, you give yourself an opportunity to celebrate your successes and acknowledge the progress you’ve made. This can be a powerful motivator and help you maintain a positive attitude.

To Identify Areas for Improvement: 

In addition to celebrating your wins, reflection can also help you identify areas for improvement. By looking back on the month and assessing what could have been done better, you can make adjustments to your approach and increase your chances of success.

To Gather Valuable Data: 

By reviewing your performance each month, you can gather valuable data that can inform your future decisions. For example, if you notice that a particular marketing strategy is consistently generating leads, you can double down on that approach in the future.

Take Action Now

• Schedule Time: Make reflection a priority by scheduling time in your calendar each month to review your performance. This could be as simple as setting aside an hour at the end of the month to reflect on your progress.
• Ask Yourself Questions: To make the most of your reflection time, ask yourself questions that will help you assess your performance. For example, you might ask yourself what went well during the month, what could have been done better, and what lessons you learned. See the 13 suggested questions below. 
• Take Action: Finally, use the insights you gain from your reflection to inform your approach for the next month. Make a plan to take action on the lessons you learned and adjust your approach accordingly.

MONTHLY REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. On a scale 1-10, how would you rate the previous month?
2. How can you make THIS month a 10?
3. On a scale 1-10, how is your current clarity and confidence?
4. What would it take to get 10-level confidence and clarity THIS month?
5. On a scale 1-10, how close is your life to being where you want it?
6. Please list everything you accomplished (all wins) LAST month:
7. What are you going to accomplish THIS month?
8. If you could only complete 3 things THIS month, what would those things be?
9. What needs to be REMOVED from your life THIS month, in order for you to have more clarity, focus, and alignment?
10. What EXPERIENCES do you want to have THIS month?
11. How do you PLAN to make these things happen? (your goals, REMOVING things, and key EXPERIENCES)
12. What could POTENTIALLY STOP you from making these things happen?
13. How will you ENSURE you succeed?