5 questions you should ask yourself at the end of all your workdays

Because sometimes the simple questions give us the answers we need!

Some months ago, we had drawn up this list of ways to increase your efficiency at work.

One of the things listed there was the importance to review your work at the end of every day.

But just how do you review?

What do you ask yourself?

Fear not! Here are five questions you need to ask yourself at the end of every workday.

1. Did I achieve my goals today?

Remember when you've had a long day but cannot for the life of you quantify what you did in all those hours? Yep that day!

Goal-setting is without a doubt the most important activity of the day.

It keeps you motivated on a daily basis and focussed on the long-term vision.

So just before you pack up for the day, ask yourself if you've achieved what you set out to achieve.

2. Where did I go wrong?

That is the logical progression if the answer to the previous question was a 'No'.

But even otherwise, it is crucial to ask yourself what you may have done wrong.

Perhaps your choice of words in a meeting was not appropriate.

Perhaps you did something that may tick off your boss or your client.

Perhaps you let slip a piece of information to a colleague who wasn't supposed to know it.

These may be little things but it is important to be sensitive to one's words and actions because you alone are responsible for them

Needless to say, it is crucial you have to be open to the idea of accepting your mistakes.

3. What can I learn from my mistakes?

No mistake is worthless if you can learn something from it.

The idea, as you may well know, is to not repeat it and instead learn from it.

So before you end your day and prepare for the next, think back and ask yourself what were your learnings from your mistake.

4. What kept me motivated?

Sometimes you've successfully achieved what you wanted despite it being a terrible day.

Look back at your day and ask yourself what was it that kept you going?

Remind yourself of that on a day when you're all beaten down. Because that is what'll get you back on your feet!

5. What should I be thankful for?

Never end your day without this question.

It is easy to take things in your job (and life) for granted.

Take a moment to think back about the people who have helped you get through the day.

It could be the office boy who couriered a letter for you; the canteen boy who got you that cup of chai when you needed it the most; or even your boss, who stood by you when he could have well shrugged his shoulders.

Be thankful for the people around you; they may be just doing their jobs but if they've touched your life and have enriched it even in the smallest possible way, don't forget to say a kind word before you leave. It will make a difference! :-)

Got suggestions of your own?

Tell us what are the things you should ask yourself at the end of every workday!

Post your suggestions in the discussion board below and we will carry the most relevant responses right here on Rediff.com!