Note to Self nº11

Note to Self nº11


Breaking down my daily review ritual


Following up on my last piece, I’m diving into the specifics of my daily review ritual. This personal routine keeps me focused, ensures my work-life balance is on point, and keeps me moving towards my goals. I've customized Easlo's "Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Planner" to better align with my lifestyle and objectives. At the article's end, I'll provide a link to my adapted template for you to try.


Integrating Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

My review process is built around a simple yet impactful practice: reflecting on the previous day to shape today and tomorrow. Each evening, I jot down five key takeaways from my day—these could be achievements, setbacks, or new aspirations. I aim to touch on various life aspects: my emotional and physical state, work, family, and current projects. The next morning, I transform these reflections into action items, setting a clear, actionable course for each day.


Crafting a Purposeful Day

I divide my day into morning, afternoon, evening, and night blocks, each with its highlight—a major task that aligns with my broader goals or work commitments. Secondary tasks, or "lowlights," are important but not urgent tasks that I’ll get to if time permits. This structure, complemented by my calendar for time-sensitive events, helps me prioritize when something unexpected comes up, and let's be real, there generally always is something unexpected. Still, a successful for me is hitting two-thirds of my daily plan, balancing professional and personal goals, family time, and well-being.


Goals and Habits for Growth

My goals and habits sections are my compass. Currently, they’re focused on launching my website, writing 100 articles, and enhancing my fitness. Evening hours are for website development, brainstorming article ideas, and partnering up for regular workout sessions. These habits transform my ambitions into tangible results, with my daily review ensuring I remain accountable and on track.


Routine Balance

In my routine, I strive for a seamless blend of work and life, guided by my goals, night-owl energy levels, and the need for quality family time. It’s about creating a flexible system that accommodates my professional ambitions, personal aspirations, and family commitments—without strict adherence to a rigid schedule. This balance is key to a fulfilling day where work, personal growth, and family are not competing interests but harmonious elements of my life.


This routine isn't just about sticking to a plan; it's about making each day purposeful and adaptive. I encourage you to give it a shot. Download my Daily Review template, adapt it to your needs, and let me know how you like it. Again, remember that it's not about adhering to a rigid schedule but instead seizing the opportunity to reflect on the day's events and set a positive tone for the following day. Bonne chance!


Note to Self:
  • Reflect Daily: Merge today's insights with yesterday's lessons for ongoing improvement.

  • Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt and adjust as needed.

  • Focus on Priorities: Keep your goals in clear view, and work on tasks that drive you towards them.

  • Maintain Balance: Allocate your time and energy equally across work, personal projects, and loved ones.


Download Easlo's template here.
Download my template here.


Peace and Love. ✌️❤️

By Mohamed Thiam


Breaking down my daily review ritual


Following up on my last piece, I’m diving into the specifics of my daily review ritual. This personal routine keeps me focused, ensures my work-life balance is on point, and keeps me moving towards my goals. I've customized Easlo's "Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Planner" to better align with my lifestyle and objectives. At the article's end, I'll provide a link to my adapted template for you to try.


Integrating Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

My review process is built around a simple yet impactful practice: reflecting on the previous day to shape today and tomorrow. Each evening, I jot down five key takeaways from my day—these could be achievements, setbacks, or new aspirations. I aim to touch on various life aspects: my emotional and physical state, work, family, and current projects. The next morning, I transform these reflections into action items, setting a clear, actionable course for each day.


Crafting a Purposeful Day

I divide my day into morning, afternoon, evening, and night blocks, each with its highlight—a major task that aligns with my broader goals or work commitments. Secondary tasks, or "lowlights," are important but not urgent tasks that I’ll get to if time permits. This structure, complemented by my calendar for time-sensitive events, helps me prioritize when something unexpected comes up, and let's be real, there generally always is something unexpected. Still, a successful for me is hitting two-thirds of my daily plan, balancing professional and personal goals, family time, and well-being.


Goals and Habits for Growth

My goals and habits sections are my compass. Currently, they’re focused on launching my website, writing 100 articles, and enhancing my fitness. Evening hours are for website development, brainstorming article ideas, and partnering up for regular workout sessions. These habits transform my ambitions into tangible results, with my daily review ensuring I remain accountable and on track.


Routine Balance

In my routine, I strive for a seamless blend of work and life, guided by my goals, night-owl energy levels, and the need for quality family time. It’s about creating a flexible system that accommodates my professional ambitions, personal aspirations, and family commitments—without strict adherence to a rigid schedule. This balance is key to a fulfilling day where work, personal growth, and family are not competing interests but harmonious elements of my life.


This routine isn't just about sticking to a plan; it's about making each day purposeful and adaptive. I encourage you to give it a shot. Download my Daily Review template, adapt it to your needs, and let me know how you like it. Again, remember that it's not about adhering to a rigid schedule but instead seizing the opportunity to reflect on the day's events and set a positive tone for the following day. Bonne chance!


Note to Self:
  • Reflect Daily: Merge today's insights with yesterday's lessons for ongoing improvement.

  • Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt and adjust as needed.

  • Focus on Priorities: Keep your goals in clear view, and work on tasks that drive you towards them.

  • Maintain Balance: Allocate your time and energy equally across work, personal projects, and loved ones.


Download Easlo's template here.
Download my template here.


Peace and Love. ✌️❤️

By Mohamed Thiam

A design mentor in your inbox

A design mentor in your inbox

A design mentor in your inbox

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.

Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.