As the summer sun beckons and holiday plans loom large, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rush of ticking off the to-do list. However, this time of year also presents a golden opportunity to step back and conduct a thorough Quarterly Review in your journal. This will add up your last three months reflection work with some insights, course correction and forward planning.
Elevate Your Perspective
Think of your weekly reviews as a spin on the London Eye—helpful for regular check-ins. In contrast, the quarterly review is like a trip to the top of The Shard, offering a panoramic view of your progress and future direction.
Revisit and Reflect on Your Goals
At the start of your journal, you set goals with a clear vision of success. It's natural for these goals to slip off your radar amidst daily tasks. Now is the perfect moment to:
Reassess Relevance: Are your initial goals still meaningful? What has changed in your circumstances or priorities?
Refine Your Focus: What adjustments can you make to realign with your vision?
Refresh Your Goal Wheel: Your goal wheel is agile, designed to adapt as you progress. Update it, edit it, and prioritise anew.
Summarise Your Last Three Months
The quarterly review is more than a glance back—it's a comprehensive summary of your recent journey. Consider these elements:
Key Achievements: What milestones have you reached? Celebrate your successes.
Connections Made: Reflect on the people you've met and the relationships you've built.
Feedback Loop: Review the feedback you've received and given, identifying patterns and areas for growth.
Task Analysis: Assess the types of tasks you've completed, especially those that stretched your capabilities.
Celebrate Your Wins
Recognising and celebrating your achievements is vital for maintaining motivation and acknowledging your hard work. Take time to:
List Your Wins: Write down your key accomplishments, both big and small.
Reflect on Impact: Consider how these achievements have moved you closer to your goals.
Reward Yourself: Plan a reward for your hard work, whether it's a small treat or a larger celebration.
Strategic Planning for the Next Quarter
With a clear understanding of the past three months, you can now strategically plan for the next quarter. Focus on:
Identifying Priorities: What are the key priorities for the upcoming quarter?
Creating Action Plans: Develop detailed plans to achieve your goals, including deadlines and milestones.
A well-executed quarterly review not only offers clarity on your past performance but also provides you with a strategic roadmap for the future. By elevating your perspective and focusing on your long-term vision, you set the stage for your sustained success.