The Just Dudit October Review and Planning Guide

The best personal development tool is already on your desk.

Yes, I know I'm late to the personal review and planning thing. The best time to start was 20 years ago. The second best time was 12 months ago. The third best time was two weeks ago. It is what it is. But the next best time to start? Right now. We've got this.

(Also, I was thinking of a witty opening line about people needing to assess and asses, but never mind. Couldn't make it work. Move on.)

Here's the thing: I usually hated these reflection things. So do most people. And before we know it, years have flown by faster than you can say "midlife crisis." But not today. We're going to grab a pen, get a piece of paper (a notebook's even better) and get into the 3 stacked questions (sorry, Carla Manas, ICF-PCC ) that'll change your life.

The Review: Your Story in 3 Parts

Part 1: The Good, The Bad, and The "Oh, That Happened?"

The Question: What were my wins, losses, and biggest realizations?

This is where we celebrate your victories (no matter how small), acknowledge those setbacks (or as we like to call them, " learning opportunities"), and jot down those lightbulb moments.

For example:

• Wins: I posted on LinkedIn 33 whole days straight. Really.
• Losses: The no-spending-on-new-pens-and-notebooks quarter was a bust
• Realizations: It really does take 21 days to build a habit. Also, the more you do something, the easier it gets. Look, I'm even posting articles now!

Tip: Reframe your losses as learning experiences. It's not a failure, it's just something that didn't turn out the way you planned. Try it a different way.

Part 2: The "Why Didn't I Think of This Sooner?" Rule

The Question: Based on last month, what am I going to do more of? Less of?

Remember the 80/20 rule? Well, it applies here too. 20% of your habits, beliefs, friends, and actions are leading to 80% of your results - good AND bad.

Create two lists:

1. Things to double down on (like talking to more people, not just on LinkedIn)
2. Things to stop doing (like trolling politicians)

Stick these lists on your bathroom mirror. Nothing says "good morning" like a reminder of your life choices.

Part 3: Futurecasting

The Question: What am I thinking about for the month ahead?

It's easy to predict the future if it's based on what you know you're going to think and do.

List things that :

• Excited you (More work! And clients! And work!)
• Bug you (Do I keep my Canva Teams account or just spring for Adobe CC? And how do I rotate my 56 million pens?)
• Worry you (Will AI replace me? Or will I replace AI?)

ProTip: Figure out a way to phrase it towards what direction you'll be happy with.

The Fun Thing About October (Aside From Halloween)

The October review isn't just any old review, just ask Ray Bradbury. Nope, it's your secret weapon for owning the last quarter of the year. It's the kickoff to the last quarter, and one more chance to turn 2024 into your year-- if it isn't already.

Here's how to supercharge your October review:

1. The Recap And Check-In: Look back at your goals from January. (Remember those? The ones you wrote with such optimism before reality hit?) It's time for a brutally honest check-in.
2. The Reality Check: What's still achievable? What needs to be adjusted? What new opportunities have popped up that weren't in the picture before?
3. The Sprints: I'm a sprinter, not a marathoner. I like sprints, as those who've gone to my LinkedIn sprints know. Anyway. Break down your remaining goals into 90-day sprints. What can you realistically accomplish by December 31st? (Hint: Becoming TikTok famous might need to wait till 2025)
4. Accountability: Share your Q4 goals with a friend, mentor, or your LinkedIn network. (Heck, let me know. Post about them. Tag me. (Warning, I'll check on you.)

By turning the October review into a quarter-planning session, you're not just reflecting – you're strategizing. You're setting the pace for a strong finish to the year. It's like giving yourself a 3-month head start on your New Year's resolutions.

Why This Works (Even If You're A Scatterbrain Like Me)

• It forces you to pause: In our go-go-go world, taking a moment to reflect is like a spa day for your brain.
• It celebrates progress: No matter how small, acknowledging your wins builds momentum.
• It turns failures into fuel: By reframing setbacks, you're less likely to repeat them.
• It keeps you accountable: Future You will thank Present You for keeping track.

How to Make This a Habit (Without Hating Your Life)

1. Start small: 15 minutes is better than nothing.
2. Make it fun: Use colored pens, stickers, or interpretive dance. Whatever floats your boat.
3. Be consistent: Same time, same place, every month.
4. Share with a friend: Accountability buddies make everything better.

You can capture these things throughout the month for November. (This is your perfect excuse to buy a nice new notebook and pen--oh wait, that's just me) Then, at the end of the year, you collect these monthly reviews and distill the entire year.

Try this for one month. Just one. If it doesn't change anything, you can go back to mindlessly scrolling social media. Deal?

What's one win you're celebrating from the past month? (That was trick question to get you started. Okay, go.)

#PersonalGrowth #MonthlyReview #ReflectionMatters #LinkedInLearning #StopOverthinking