Most professionals don’t critique their own work. Most of us have learned to look for negatives. And once we find them, we don’t see any of the positives.
When I complete tasks, I debrief my work by asking 2 questions:
- What did I like best about that?
- What will I do next time?
The first question looks only at the positives. It helps me find the fun in what I do.
The second doesn’t ask what I will do DIFFERENTLY, just what I will do. To suggest that something needs to be different is to assume something went wrong. If something DOES need to change, it will come out in the answer more realistically than by looking just for negatives.
Action – Use these 2 questions after your next 5 interactions or activities. Notice how your reviews and debriefs become a more positive experience for you.
Being able to evaluate yourself is a key component for creating success. But no one said the evaluation had to be negative!
Nancy – This method of evaluation can be used in personal interactions and activities as well. I like the approach. Thank you for the tip.
I agree Sunny, and often use the same questions after social activities (particularly new ones, to help me learn even more about myself).
I really like this one Nancy! I tend to be very self critical and seek validation from outside myself even when I know I’ve done well. I’m definitely going to implement this technique! Thanks!
One of the problems (there are many) with looking for validation from the outside is that, even if it is positive, it is fleeting. This type of debriefing helps to create foundational self-esteem and confidence because you are building on your own previous debriefs. Plus, asking the questions gives you both sides of the story rather than just the self-critical side.
Nancy, I loved your reply to Lisa, and will give this method a try. I have always been very driven and always looking for a better way to do things. The negative thoughts are always pushing the positive ones away so this might be just the thing to turn it all around.