September 12, 2025_The Power of the Evening Review: Why Your Day Ends Where Tomorrow Begins
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar
Listen to audio, or read this meditation:
Most people rush through their days and collapse into bed without thinking about what happened. They miss out on one of the most powerful tools for personal growth: the evening review.
Taking a few minutes each evening to think about your day is like having a personal coach who helps you get better. It helps you celebrate wins you might have forgotten, learn from mistakes while they're still fresh, and plan for a better tomorrow.
I started doing evening reviews when I realized I was making the same mistakes over and over. I would get frustrated with my kids, eat too much junk food, or procrastinate on important tasks. Nothing changed because I never stopped to think about why these things kept happening.
My evening review is simple. I ask myself three questions: What went well today? What could have gone better? What will I do differently tomorrow? That's it. No fancy journal required. I can do it while brushing my teeth or lying in bed.
This simple practice has transformed my life. When I celebrated what went well, I felt more grateful and confident. When I honestly looked at what didn't go well, I could make specific plans to improve. When I set intentions for tomorrow, I woke up with purpose instead of just hoping for the best.
The evening review also helps you see patterns you might miss otherwise. Maybe you notice that you're more patient with your family when you get enough sleep. Maybe you realize that you eat better when you plan your meals ahead of time. These insights help you make better choices going forward.
Some evenings, the review shows you had an amazing day. Other evenings, it reveals areas that need work. Both types of reviews are valuable. Success teaches you what to repeat. Struggle teaches you what to change.
Your evening review doesn't have to be perfect or profound. It just has to be honest and hopeful. End each day by learning from it, and you'll start each new day a little bit wiser.
Your Action Step: Tonight, before you go to sleep, spend 5 minutes answering these three questions: What went well today? What could have gone better? What will I do differently tomorrow? Do this for one week and witness positive growth in your daily satisfaction and accomplishments.
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