I've spent a lot of time this past year thinking about what actually matters - in business and in life. One thing that's kept me on track through a pretty challenging period is a simple monthly check-in. Eight questions. No BS. Just honest reflection on whether I'm moving in the right direction.
This is the first instalment of a new series I'm launching through Zeb Aitken Advisory called The Playbook. If you lead a team, run a business or just want to be more intentional about how you're operating - this one's worth a read. Because planning without action is just noise.
WHICH DECISIONS MOVED ME CLOSER TO MY GOAL?
Every decision either moves you closer to your goal or it doesn't. Look back at last month honestly. Were your decisions aligned with your strategy? If you can't answer that clearly, you've just learned something important.
DID I FOCUS MY TIME ON WHAT TRULY MATTERS?
Time is precious. Are you spending yours in the areas it truly matters? It’s better to be crushing the main thing rather than flailing at a thousand. I see this constantly in business. You can't wear all the hats.
IS THERE ANYTHING DIFFICULT I HAVE BEEN AVOIDING?
Sometimes the things we avoid - hard conversations, difficult decisions, uncomfortable truths - are the exact things that could make the biggest difference. Tackle them before they have a chance to escalate and do more damage.
WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A HARD NO?
Saying yes when you should say no is one of the most expensive habits in business. It leaves you overloaded, burnt out and carrying things that you shouldn’t. And it builds resentment - even though it was your call.
WHAT AM I PROUD OF THAT NO ONE ELSE SAW?
Not every achievement comes with an audience. Important progress happens quietly too - a hard conversation you finally had, a boundary you held, a decision you made for the right reasons. Quiet results snowball.
DID I CELEBRATE THE WINS - BIG AND SMALL?
In the relentless drive to move forward it's easy to skip straight to what's next. But pausing to acknowledge what's working isn't a luxury - it fuels the next push. Don't let the small wins disappear unnoticed.
I KNOW I WAS BUSY, BUT WAS IT THE RIGHT KIND?
Busy and productive are not the same thing. Busy is the general default for most people. Spread thin, ending the day exhausted, then repeating it all over again. Is your busy meaningful or autopilot? Own it, make it count.
WHAT ARE MY 3 ESSENTIAL GOALS FOR NEXT MONTH?
Not your whole to-do list. Pick three big ones that align with your strategy and actually move the needle on what matters most. Write them down, revisit them daily, and make every significant decision through that lens.
FINAL THOUGHTS
By answering these questions honestly on a monthly basis, you're not only building a stronger business, you're also pausing to reflect on where you're spending your time and energy. This is more powerful than you may know. And if any of these questions made you uncomfortable - great. That's an area you need to shine a light on, and a massive opportunity to be unlocked. That's my favourite part.
