What went well today and why?
Reflect on what went well to guide future choices.
We notice negatives more than positives. Focusing on what went well lifts how we feel and shifts how we see ourselves and life. Asking why deepens that shift. Each night, ask:
🤔 What went well today and why?
Start by noticing one or two things that went well. Maybe you sent an overdue email, handled a tricky conversation calmly, or took a walk that cleared your head. Even enjoying a quiet cup of coffee counts. The size doesn’t matter; what matters is noticing it on purpose. Take just a minute or two. To make what went well stick, you could write it down or say it out loud. Celebrate it in a way that works for you, like saying ‘Well done!’ to yourself. Noticing and appreciating these moments boosts gratitude, lifts your mood, and trains your mind to spot positives.
Next, ask why it went well. What actions did you take, and what circumstances played a role? Did preparation, habits, or someone’s support make a difference? Be curious and notice what was in your control and what wasn’t. Over time, noticing patterns shows which choices and actions lead to better outcomes and make it easier to repeat success. This builds insight and appreciation for others’ contributions, strengthens relationships and shows how your own effort and connections create wins.
Reflecting on what went well and why is like a detective gathering clues and noticing what led to success, or a scientist testing what works in different situations.
The goal of this practice isn’t forced positivity, but to notice positives that often go unseen. Reflection guides action. If a small step helped today, repeat it tomorrow. If a strategy worked, apply it elsewhere. Make this practice a habit by consistently taking a few minutes at the end of each day.
Tonight, notice what went well, consider why it happened, and let that insight guide tomorrow’s choices.
