🌱 Annual reflection resources + templates

Here’s your 3 insights in 3 minutes.  

🧰 Favorite Reflection Resources

I love doing an annual reflection. 

Reviewing what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to change.

(Side note: highly recommend reading this High Agency essay as a friendly reminder that we can, in fact, make big changes). 

But I have a confession. 

The last few years, I’ve spent way too much time overdoing the annual reflection process. 

So here are a few of my favorite resources I’ve found that make it easier and lighter. 

First is Steve Schlafman’s Annual Reflection guide. It’s great. He has a Google doc and Notion version (and he made a bunch of thoughtful updates this year too).

Steve has spent a decade refining the process (see his post here).

I also like to revisit my personal values and principles. 

Values = core beliefs about what is important

Principles = actionable guidelines derived from those values

Here’s an article on How to Live By Your Values This Year rooted in ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). 

And here’s a cool example of Michael Ashcroft’s personal principles. 

If you run a team or business, here’s a good example of team Operating Principles.  

⌛ LinkedOut

I had a funny realization this week: 

I'm taking a LinkedIn course. (Not the funny part yet, but yes please make fun of me for this!) 

The first BIG takeaway so far? Turn off your LinkedIn feed.

So I installed News Feed Eradicator immediately. It defaults to hiding social feeds (unless you intentionally turn back on for a set duration).

It’s awesome. 

What I realized though is that it’s not just about blocking distractions. I actually really like LinkedIn. 

It's about building the skill of going fully ON or fully OFF.  

Balance isn't multitasking at 80%.
It's being 100% present in one mode at a time.

I currently have 3 modes (spoiler: none of them are "monk").

Creating - Writing, thinking, synthesizing. No interruptions.

Connecting - Replying to DMs and comments. Having curiosity conversations on zoom with interesting people. 

Building - Deep work on one thing. Timer set for 30 minutes. That's it.

Worth noting… I don't build systems because I've figured everything out.

I build them because I haven't.

This one helps me stay sane, while also staying connected. 

🕤 Timely Thoughts

Salud,
Mitchell