# How to do a Monthly Review in 6 Steps ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R7OLlCFd9eA/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Introduction [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=0s) - Conducting a monthly review can be beneficial for individuals feeling stuck in life, as it can help them get out of a slump and gain clarity, direction, and a sense of achievement in their personal and professional lives [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=10s). - A monthly review can be a transformative routine that positively impacts productivity and well-being [(00:00:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=23s). - The process of conducting a thorough monthly review will be shared in a step-by-step manner [(00:00:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=17s). - To start the monthly review process, it is essential to schedule a specific time for it [(00:00:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=27s). ## Set Aside Uninterrupted Time [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=28s) - A time slot for the monthly review should be allocated, allowing for uninterrupted focus, ideally a couple of hours long [(00:00:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=30s). - This time slot should be scheduled during a period when there are minimal chances of interruptions, such as the last weekend of the month [(00:00:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=37s). - Allocating a specific time slot helps ensure that the monthly review is conducted without rushing, allowing for thorough reflection and planning [(00:00:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=41s). - It is helpful to set up a reminder for the allocated time slot, which can be done using a tool like ACU flow, to ensure the monthly review is not forgotten [(00:00:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=43s). - The reminder should be set for the last weekend of the month, serving as a prompt to conduct the monthly review [(00:00:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=48s). - When performing the review, it is essential to minimize interruptions to make the most of the allocated time [(00:00:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=55s). ## Break Down Your Life Into Different Areas [(00:00:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=56s) - Break down life into different areas that resonate with you, such as physical health, mental well-being, relationships, career growth, financial stability, and hobbies or passions, to ensure a comprehensive review of your life [(00:00:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=59s). - Reflect on each area by considering what has been happening over the past month, including wins, challenges, and neglected areas, and take notes in the form of bullet points, sentences, or doodles [(00:01:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=72s). - The goal of this reflection is to capture a snapshot of your life as it is right now, providing a clear understanding of your current situation [(00:01:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=89s). - Creating a monthly review template, such as on Notion, is highly recommended, allowing you to duplicate the page every month and repeat the same exercise with consistency [(00:01:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=91s). - Using a template also enables you to connect your workspace with your calendar, making it easier to keep track of monthly reviews and stay organized [(00:01:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=103s). ## Reflect on Learnings [(00:01:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=115s) - After reviewing the past month's events and activities, take time to reflect on what has been learned, considering both successes and obstacles, and identify patterns or recurring themes that provide insights into behavior, productivity, or well-being [(00:01:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=115s). - Reflect on specific achievements and challenges encountered over the past month, and identify patterns or themes in experiences, comparing productive and less productive days to pinpoint what made them successful [(00:02:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=131s). - Analyze a significant success from the past month, identifying the strategies that contributed to it, and recall a recent obstacle, thinking about how it was addressed and what could be done differently in the future [(00:02:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=146s). - Identify recurring challenges and think about steps to overcome them, and based on reflections, determine one action to enhance productivity or well-being [(00:02:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=159s). - Incorporate lessons learned from successes and setbacks into future plans by setting a new goal for the upcoming month, ensuring it is SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound [(00:02:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=172s). - Ensure reflection becomes a regular part of the routine for [[Continual improvement process | continuous improvement]] by incorporating it into a regular schedule [(00:03:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=183s). ## Assess Your Goals [(00:03:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=192s) - Evaluate the status of your goals to determine which ones were achieved, made progress on, or neglected [(00:03:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=192s). - Assessing why some goals were met while others weren't can help adjust strategies and set more realistic or challenging objectives for the coming month [(00:03:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=200s). - Understanding the reasons behind goal achievement or lack thereof can inform the adjustment of strategies and the setting of objectives for the next month [(00:03:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=201s). ## Plan For the Upcoming Month [(00:03:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=210s) - Start planning for the upcoming month using the insights gained from the review [(00:03:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=210s). - Set new goals or adjust existing ones for the next month [(00:03:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=213s). - Identify priorities for the next month and determine specific actions to achieve those goals [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=216s). - Consider what habits to develop or break in the upcoming month [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=223s). - Review the monthly plan to ensure it aligns with the goals and priorities [(00:03:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=228s). ## Commit to Continuous Improvement [(00:03:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=229s) - A monthly review is a component of an ongoing process of growth, providing an opportunity to learn more about oneself, refine goals, and enhance strategies [(00:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=230s). - The focus of the review should be on [[Continual improvement process | continuous improvement]] rather than perfectionism, with an emphasis on learning from experiences and moving forward [(00:04:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=244s). - Incorporating a review into one's routine can be a game-changer, providing invaluable insights and a clear direction for planning and setting the stage for continued success [(00:04:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=251s). - The review process allows for reflection on past experiences, learning from them, and planning with more intention for the future [(00:04:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=258s). - The use of a calendar and task manager can aid in the review process and support continued success [(00:04:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=270s). ## Conclusion and Key Takeaways [(00:04:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=270s) - Akif Flow is an intuitive time blocking platform that aggregates tasks from all productivity apps in one place, allowing users to manage their time, meetings, and appointments more efficiently [(00:04:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=270s). - Time blocking is a productivity method that provides a bird's eye view of tasks and ensures users dedicate necessary time to each task and project, making it a favorite among successful entrepreneurs and professionals [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=282s). - Akif Flow streamlines the time blocking process by integrating tasks from project managers, email, Notion workspaces, and other apps into one place, making it easy to reschedule tasks and create new ones [(00:05:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=304s). - The platform features a click and drag interface, a mend bar for swiftly creating tasks using keywords, and a unique feature called time slots, which are containers for tasks that can be scheduled and set as recurring [(00:05:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=323s). - Time slots can be used to schedule routines, such as morning and evening routines, and can be set as recurring events in the calendar [(00:06:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=361s). - Akif Flow also allows users to select their availability for meetings and easily create available slots, which can be shared with clients, teammates, and family members [(00:06:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=372s). - The platform is an excellent choice for individuals who juggle tasks across different platforms, whether for work, college, home management, or business, and can be used to streamline entire productivity systems [(00:06:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OLlCFd9eA&t=390s).