It's funny how no one ever really prepares us for the rollercoaster ride that is adulthood, right? Some days, it feels like we've got it all together, and other days, well, not so much. There are days that I want to just fold my hands and do nothing but no one ever tells you that if you do not take control of your life well you would find out the tough way that even if family and friends love you, you still have to pick up the pieces. 

The first thing I've learned is that setting goals and making plans, although essential, is just the beginning. To truly thrive, you need to create space for reflection. It's a practice I've integrated into my life, and I call it being "Routine Ready." But today, I want to focus on the four crucial dates I've circled on my calendar, because sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to look back, assess, and adjust our course.

As an adult, it's crucial to have what I like to call "Reflection Times" – dates you don't want to miss:

1. Start of the Week: Sunday – This is the perfect day to set the tone for the upcoming week. Review your goals, lay out your plans, and make sure you're on the right track.

2. Midweek: Wednesday** – Hump day, right? Take a breather, evaluate your progress, and make any necessary tweaks to your tasks and projects.

3. End of the Week: Friday – Before you dive into the weekend, wrap up loose ends, celebrate your wins, and set your intentions for the next week.

And then, there's the big one:

4. End of the Month – Here, you set a date in advance to hit the pause button on life. You'll review your goals, projects, and tasks in detail. This isn't just about your professional life; it's about everything. Take a deeper look at your health, finances, hobbies, and even your spiritual journey.

Consistency is key here. While everyone's approach to reflection might differ, the important thing is to start somewhere. As an adult, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but this practice ensures you don't neglect any aspect of your life.

Now, let's talk about my personal experience. Up until May 2023, my biggest shortcoming was in the areas of lifestyle and hobbies. That all changed when I stumbled upon something magical – improv classes. These weekly sessions gave me the opportunity to explore a new dimension of life and unlock my creativity.

So, here's the bottom line: Adulting is a journey filled with twists and turns. But by setting aside these crucial moments for reflection, you'll stay on track and lead a more balanced, intentional life.

Now, as promised, here's a simple worksheet that can support your monthly reflections. Feel free to customize it to fit your unique needs:

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Monthly Reflection Worksheet

Did I  have a great month? 

What did I set out to accomplish ? 

Did I  accomplish what I set out to accomplish? 

Did the month go as per plan or did I  just meander through it? 

Looking back, are you proud of the last month - in all areas of business and life?

**Goals/Projects/Task Review:**

- What were my top three accomplishments this month?

- What goals or tasks did I not achieve, and why?

- Did any unexpected opportunities or challenges arise?

**Personal Life:**

- How am I feeling mentally and emotionally?

- Did I engage in any hobbies or activities I love?

- What can I do to improve my work-life balance?

**Health & Well-being:**

- How well did I take care of my physical health?

- Did I stick to my fitness and nutrition goals?

- What steps can I take to enhance my well-being?

**Finances:**

- Did I stick to my budget this month?

- Did I make progress toward my financial goals?

- Where can I make financial improvements next month?

**Spiritual & Personal Growth:**

- How did I nurture my spiritual well-being?

- Did I engage in any personal development activities?

- What can I do to deepen my sense of purpose?

**Looking Ahead:**

• What are my top priorities for next month?
• - How can I build on my successes and learn from my challenges?
• - Are there any adjustments I need to make to my goals or plans?
• Do I have crystal clear goals for the month? 
• Are my goals in alignment with your vision for 2023 and beyond? 
• Do I have a clear plan for how to accomplish the next month's goals?

Quote that reminds me to keep going

3 days is an idea 

3 weeks is an attempt 

3 months is a habit 

3 years is a skill 

Remember, this isn't about perfection; it's about progress. Take these moments of reflection to celebrate your wins, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward on your unique journey.

Let's make this a September to Remember

Warm regards,

DK Jonah