7 Questions to End Your Week With!

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.- STEVE JOBS

Many of us go through our entire work lives without pausing enough and creating space for self-inquiry. We are so busy solving problems, and leading others that we forget to ask questions for our own well-being, to understand what really matters to us at work. Obviously, this isn’t good.

True progress in life is not about rising up the ladder by clocking hours and working hard, but also about being able to seek some time out for self reflection, asking relevant questions that re-align us with our true North Star, our direction in life. In fact In the long run, the simple questions you ask yourself on a regular basis will determine the type of person and leader you become.

I invite you to create space for your self , as the week ends, to ask a few questions – and create the “self-reflection time” to ponder over your direction, speed and purpose. Some questions that you can as yourself are:

1. What am I proud of, as I end this week?

It is easy to be self critical , but now is the time to congratulate yourself for what you feel has been your big contribution. Discover the joy and happiness from your week’s accomplishment, without waiting for any external endorsements or validations to come your way.

2. What is the one thing that I could have spent more time doing?

We get lost in the myriad of activities, but it is wise to know where your true focus should lie. That one relationship, process or outcome that deserves undivided attention. Reflecting on this question helps you to recalibrate your priorities for investing time and energy.

3. If I wasn’t afraid, what is the one thing that I would/ wouldn’t have done?

We often succumb to uncertainties and the unknown. Hence it is very important to take stock of our fears and address them every week. Letting fear rule means missing opportunities for growth. Acknowledging one’s fears leads to automatic reduction of its impact on our brain.

4. What actions from my last week, were/ were not in alignment with my long term goals?

What you do everyday needs to tie up with who you want to become in the end. An aspiring leader with a everyday myopic/ tunnel vision is of no use. Keep your Big picture handy to evaluate whether what you are spending your time on, is adding positively or is it subtracting from it.

5. What one relationship was I able to nurture?

Career success is all about the relationships we build and nurture. Reflect on the relationships that you positively impacted and how. Think of a stakeholder who needs to be in your circle of influence but isn’t today.

6. What mental chatter can I get rid of?

All of the anxiety and stress is because of the mental noise that we carry. Be intentional and identify what thoughts from the past week is no longer relevant, in your control and needs to left behind. It could be about anger, shame, regret or fear. Remind yourself that the week is over, and move on with the key learnings

7. What is most important for the coming week?

Life is all about the choices you make. From the plethora of things to do in the coming week, point out one thing which is the most important and value adding – that presentation, project completion, customer call, what ever it may be. See your next week as a fresh opportunity to make an impact with this one thing.

You could practice journaling, self talk during a walk in the park, or even a reflective conversation with a close friend or partner. A few minutes spent every week is a great investment towards creating self-awareness, and becoming more intentional in life.

What questions do you ask yourself during moments of self-reflection?