ProEdge Life Coaching
The Follow Through: Weekly Reviews, Reimagined
“
We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience
— John Dewey
The Subtle Shift That Changes Everything
Last Sunday evening, I opened my notebook with the intention of doing a “weekly review.” You know the drill — lists, goals, progress checks. But instead of feeling grounded, I felt a strange pressure in my chest. My pen hovered over the page, and I realized something: I wasn’t reviewing my week. I was grading myself.
That moment surprised me. Somewhere along the way, my review ritual had quietly shifted from reflection to judgment.
The numbers mattered more than the meaning.
It became less about learning and more about “Did I do enough?”
Maybe you’ve felt that too — how quickly reflection morphs into self-criticism. The paradox is this: when reflection turns into scorekeeping, it robs us of the very clarity it promises. A review is meant to bring perspective, but in chasing productivity points, we can lose sight of the deeper question: Who was I becoming through these choices?
The truth is, weekly reviews aren’t about perfect habits or flawless execution. They’re about noticing — how your energy ebbed, where you felt alive, what moments mattered. It’s less like an exam and more like looking at a photo album: imperfect snapshots that together reveal a story of becoming.
Another Way of Seeing
Sometimes the way we review a week matters more than the content itself. Try on these perspectives and see which one feels most alive for you:
The Wide Lens
Zoom out: What patterns do you notice across the week? Energy highs, recurring frustrations, or moments of connection? A bird’s-eye view often reveals what single days hide.
The Inner Lens
Turn inward: How did I show up — in my tone, my choices, my presence? Did I act from pressure, or from alignment? This lens isn’t about the “what,” but the how.
The Future Lens
Imagine looking back at this week from a year ahead. What, if anything, might future-you thank present-you for? This helps filter the noise and spotlight the essentials.
None of these lenses are required. They’re simply invitations — ways of noticing that shift reflection from judgment to curiosity.
Reflection:
When you look back at last week — not as a scorecard, but as a story — what surprised you about yourself?
This week’s reflection is all about noticing without judgment. And sometimes it’s easier to notice when someone else is holding the mirror with you. That’s exactly what my WhatsApp accountability coaching is designed for — short daily check-ins, no pressure, just presence.
If that sparks something for you, reply “accountability” and I’ll share how it works.
Curiosity Corner
Quote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
Experiment: Choose one day this week and write down only one highlight before bed. Notice what counts as memorable.
Research Nugget: Studies on “self-distancing” show that reflecting in the third person (“She handled that with patience”) helps reduce self-criticism and increase clarity.
