Checking In Challenge: Reflect, Change, and Grow

checking in

Checking In Challenge: Reflect, Change, and Grow

I’m that nerd who loves conferences — I show up with a bag packed for a day of successful learning: a brand new notebook, multiple pens, lip balm, water, and a snack (of course). I settle myself in for a day of learning and wonder what my one big takeaway will be. The takeaway that instantly catches my attention and makes me think, “hold up! This is big.” The one that I’ll mull over for weeks to come. The one that has the potential to change my life. Enter the concept of “checking in.”

The concept of “checking in”

I recently attended a livestream of Leadercast 2018, a conference based around the theme of leading one’s self.  Kat Cole, group president of Focus Brands, shared how she uses consistent “check-ins” with both her employees and her husband in order to learn and share ways to grow and change. She asks the following questions: What can I start doing better? What should I stop? What should I continue doing? What’s one thing I could do better or differently to be more effective?

What struck me as I listened to Cole’s words was realizing that there are times when a whole week (or even month!) will pass by and all I’ve done is go through the motions to accomplish tasks. I don’t always stop to consider what I could do differently or better — in fact, those moments of reflection tend to happen when things are going south, when it would make more sense to be one step ahead! 

My “check-in” challenge

Starting this week, I’m challenging myself to check in every Friday afternoon before I leave for the weekend. Here’s what I’ll ask myself:

  1. What went well this week?
  2. What could have gone better?
  3. What’s one thing I can do differently next week?

According to Cole, checking in requires humility and curiosity, and making the necessary changes takes courage and confidence. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifice, though — Cole says check-ins not only drive results, they also inspire others around you to take stock of their own choices.

Do you employ check-ins at your workplace, or in your personal life? How have they benefited you?