The system I'm going to explain to you now can be used to get absolutely anything you want. Of course it won't produce instant results, but it will start moving you forward, step by step. It was developed by the coaches and students at Coach University to support their clients in moving towards their goals. 

The system is very simple. Every week, you take a few minutes to reflect on your week using these five questions. 

1. What did I accomplish? 

2. What did I intend to do but didn't do? 

3. What were the challenges? 

4. What are the opportunities? 

5. What do I want to work on? 

The system of regularly reflecting is like an evaluation in Toastmasters except that it is a self-evaluation. It is not about a speech but about your real life. The system works because no matter what you want in life, you must learn how to get it. Whether you want a Driver's License or career fulfillment, you must learn. And the first step in learning anything is to reflect on what you have done in the past, what has worked and what you could have done differently. When you reflect regularly, you give yourself the chance to learn regularly from everything you do. 

One of the most powerful benefits of the system of weekly reflection is that you will begin to notice and avoid those mistakes that you make repeatedly in your life. We all repeat our mistakes. For example, have you noticed that when you argue with your spouse, the argument usually starts in the same way? Have you noticed that when you procrastinate, it is actually predictable and there is a pattern to what causes your procrastination? Have you noticed that when you are frustrated at work, there are common causes that are repeated time and again? If you were to reflect on these issues, what could you discover about how to prevent those patterns from recurring? Regular reflection is the way to solve these issues and move on to new challenges. 

Let me give you a personal example of how this system has benefited me, particularly focusing on Question Number 2, my favorite: What did I intend to do but didn't do? What I really want in life is to have a successful coaching business. I know in order to do that I have to have plenty of energy and be a model of healthy living for my clients. Therefore I have started a regular exercise program including running twice a week. 

Last week I intended to go for a run on Friday morning...but I didn't. Why? I was out with some friends the night before, I drank some wine and then was just too tired to get out of bed in the morning. Does that sound familiar? On reflecting I realized that I drank the wine only because I wanted to fit in with my friends. I worried about how it would look to refuse. How silly! Next time I won't need to do that and I'll get the morning run that I want. Each time I reflect I have a chance to learn something new about how to motivate myself to ensure that I get what I want. 

Will this system work for you? 

"It sounds great but I'm so busy these days I just don't have the time." 

Yes, but have you thought about how much time you are wasting by repeating self-destructive patterns. For only a small investment in time you can save tremendously in time and effort. 

"But even if I make the time, I don't have enough discipline." 

Please don't use self-discipline to make yourself reflect. It won't work. Instead build up your interest in reflection. Think how interesting it would be to pay attention to your life. What a wonderful soap opera it is for you to watch every week. You can use your strongest desires to motivate you to reflect regularly. 

"I can't stand any more paperwork." 

Be creative when you reflect. You can draw a picture, listen to music or talk to a friend. Make it a very enjoyable part of your week. 

"What if I forget?" 

Mark it in your diary, make an appointment with yourself, or do it at a regular time that you will remember such as just before church or after your Toastmasters meeting. 

"But I've never done this before. I don't know how." 

As you start to do it you will learn. Get help from your friends, or if you really want to progress quickly, hire a coach. 

This system can create great benefits for you as it has for me. I've been reflecting on these questions regularly for the past 5 months and have gained a deeper awareness of myself. I'm more honest with myself, more self-confident and I feel more in control of my life. I've accomplished much including starting a new career which I love, incorporating my own company, receiving an independent work visa and even exercising more regularly. 

Whatever you want in life is waiting for you. Right now you might not even know what you want, or what you need to learn. What are you waiting for? Every week so many chances to grow are passing you by and wasted. Your life is going on without you being aware of it. Your accomplishments, errors and opportunities are forgotten. So, make a date with yourself now.

 Will you do it?