Weekly Reflection for Leaders: How One Hour Boosts Productivity and Clarity

Anyone that knows me knows my calendar is insane… let's just say my calendar looks like a battlefield. But amidst the chaos, I've learned one non-negotiable truth: if you want to lead effectively, you must carve out time each week for reflection. I'm talking about journaling, pondering what's going right, and honestly assessing where you're falling short. It's not fluffy self-help stuff; it's the gritty work that keeps you sharp and your team thriving.

Let me be honest—early in my career, I thought reflection was for retirees or those with too much time on their hands. I'd barrel through weeks like a freight train, fixing problems on the fly, rolling up my sleeves to dive into the trenches (because no task is beneath me if it gets the job done). But then I'd hit a wall: burnout, missed opportunities, or realizing I'd overlooked a team's morale dip because I was too busy "doing." Sound familiar? It took a humbling moment—missing a key family event because work bled into everything—for me to realize that without pausing to reflect, I'm not leading; I'm just reacting.

Empathy plays a big role here. As leaders, we care deeply about our people—whether it's our teams at work or our families at home. But how can we support them if we're not tuned into our own strengths and blind spots? Weekly reflection isn't about navel-gazing; it's about building resilience and insight. In my book, Don't Wait, Lead Now, I share stories from my blue-collar roots to corporate climbs, emphasizing how small, intentional habits like this create massive impact. Think of it as sharpening your axe before chopping wood—spend that time upfront, and everything else flows smoother.

So, now I’m the guy who blocks 60 minutes each week - sitting with a notebook (or my trusty iPad) every Sunday evening, sipping coffee, and jotting down wins and "oops" moments. It's not glamorous, but it's genuine. And let me tell you, with a little humility, admitting where I've goofed up—like that time I pushed a project too hard without checking team bandwidth—has made me a better husband, father, and boss. It's human, right? We all mess up, but reflection turns mistakes into growth fuel.

So, why dedicate one hour a week? Because it helps you spot patterns: What's working well (maybe that new delegation strategy boosted productivity)? Where do you need to improve (perhaps more one-on-ones to show empathy)? This isn't just personal—it's business gold. Thought leadership emerges here; ideas for innovating processes or mentoring others bubble up when you're not buried in emails. In my experience leading large teams, this habit has directly led to better retention, higher engagement, and yes, stronger results. It's how we help individuals and businesses succeed—by leading from a place of clarity.

Here are three actionable steps to make this a reality and level up your leadership:

1. Schedule It Religiously: Block one hour weekly—same time, same place. Treat it like a critical meeting. Start simple: List three wins from the week and two areas for growth. No judgments, just honesty.

2. Mix Journaling with Action: Write freely for 30 minutes (what fired you up? What drained you?), then spend the next 30 brainstorming one small tweak. Maybe it's praising a team member publicly or tweaking a family routine for more quality time. Empathy tip: Reflect on how your actions affected others.

3. Review and Adjust: At month's end, skim your notes. Celebrate progress, laugh at the stumbles (humor keeps it light), and commit to one big improvement. Share insights with a trusted peer or mentor for accountability.

Folks, in our busy lives, this one hour isn't a luxury—it's essential. It keeps you authentic, grounded, and ready to lead with heart. If you're like me, balancing business ambitions with being a present dad and husband, you'll find it transforms not just your work, but your whole world.

PS: I’ve also invested in one of these great pens to make the journaling time that much more enjoyable. 

What about you? Drop a comment on how reflection or journaling has helped your leadership journey. I'd love to hear.

Disclaimer:  This post is mine alone and may not be the views or opinions of any others, including past or current employers, friends, or family.  You can also find me on Substack, Medium, Tumblr, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X

Jim