Quarterly Review: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What’s Next
There’s something about the end of a quarter that feels like finishing a season of your favorite TV show. Some parts were amazing, some were… less than stellar, and now you’re left wondering what’s coming next.
The difference? You’re the showrunner of your story, and a quarterly review is your chance to write the next season exactly how you want it.
Quarterly reviews are a powerful way to reflect, recalibrate, and refocus. They help you acknowledge progress, learn from missteps, and plan for what’s ahead without the overwhelm of an entire year looming over you.
Plus, let’s be real—sometimes we forget what we were even working on three months ago (hello, abandoned New Year’s resolutions).
So, grab your planner, your favorite beverage, and let’s walk through a quarterly review that’s actually fun and productive.
Step 1: Look Back – The Good, The Bad, and The “Let’s Pretend That Didn’t Happen”
Before we dive into the next quarter, we need to take stock of what just happened. This is where honesty comes in—no sugarcoating, no self-blame, just a clear-eyed look at what worked, what didn’t, and why.
Start with your wins. What goals did you hit? What projects went smoothly? What habits stuck? Maybe you finally got into a solid morning routine, or you managed to plan meals ahead of time instead of panic-ordering takeout.
Give yourself credit!
Too often, we breeze past our achievements without celebrating them, and that’s a mistake. Recognizing progress (even small wins) builds motivation for what’s next.
Now, the hiccups. What didn’t go as planned? Were there goals you completely forgot about? Did you set your expectations too high, or did unexpected curveballs throw you off?
This isn’t about beating yourself up—it’s about gathering data. Sometimes, we abandon goals because they weren’t realistic or exciting enough. Other times, life happens (because, well… life). The key is figuring out why things didn’t work so you can adjust, not quit.
Step 2: Patterns, Trends, and Lightbulb Moments
After listing out your highs and lows, look for patterns. Are there things you consistently struggle with? Do you always lose momentum halfway through the quarter? Are you spending too much time on tasks that don’t actually move the needle? These insights are gold.
Maybe you noticed that when you plan your week on Sundays, you’re way more productive. Or that certain distractions (hello, social media scrolling) keep pulling you away from deep work.
Identifying these trends will help you be more intentional moving forward.
This is also a great time to check in with your energy levels. Did you feel energized by your work, or were you constantly drained?
Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing the right things in a way that’s sustainable. If something felt like a slog, it might be time to rethink it.
Step 3: Keep, Adjust, or Ditch
Now, let’s sort through your goals and habits with a little game I like to call Keep, Adjust, or Ditch.
Keep: What’s working and deserves to stay in your routine? If something has been effective and enjoyable, keep it going!
Adjust: What needs a tweak? Maybe your morning routine is great, but you keep sleeping through your alarm. Instead of scrapping it, adjust the wake-up time or prep the night before.
Ditch: What’s not serving you? If something consistently drains your energy, doesn’t align with your bigger goals, or feels forced, it might be time to let it go.
Giving yourself permission to ditch what isn’t working is so freeing. We often feel guilty about abandoning goals, but if something isn’t serving you, why waste energy on it? Focus on what actually matters.
Step 4: Setting Up the Next Quarter for Success
Alright, now that we’ve reflected and sorted, it’s time to look ahead. What’s next? The beauty of quarterly planning is that you get a fresh start without having to wait until the new year.
Set your top three priorities. Three is the magic number—it’s enough to make progress without spreading yourself too thin.
Think about what excites you and aligns with your long-term vision. Maybe you want to launch a new project, finally get your finances organized, or focus on self-care. Whatever it is, be specific about what success looks like.
Map out a game plan. Break each goal into actionable steps. A vague goal like “get healthier” won’t cut it. But “work out three times a week and drink more water” is clear and doable.
The more specific you are, the easier it is to follow through.
Plan your check-ins. A quarterly review is great, but don’t wait three months to check in again! Schedule a quick progress review at the end of each month to stay on track. These mini-check-ins keep you accountable and help you pivot if needed.
Step 5: Celebrate and Reset
Before you dive headfirst into the next quarter, take a moment to celebrate the progress you have made. Even if you didn’t hit every goal, you’re still learning and growing, and that’s worth acknowledging.
And don’t forget to reset! Clear out digital clutter, organize your workspace, and refresh your planner. A little reset ritual can make stepping into a new quarter feel exciting instead of overwhelming.
Quarterly reviews aren’t just about goal-setting—they’re about intentional living. Taking time to reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next ensures that you’re not just busy, but actually moving in the direction you want.
So, what’s your biggest takeaway from the last quarter? And what are you excited about for the next one?
Grab your planner, do a little reflecting, and let’s make the next three months your best yet! (Bonus points if you reward yourself with a treat afterward—you earned it!)
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