Living Well with Bri

Every morning, I read The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, and on January 22nd, the topic was “The Day in Review.” In this passage, Seneca emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and reviewing each day. He warns that one of the greatest downfalls in life is failing to look back on our own actions, instead focusing only on what lies ahead. Yet, as he reminds us, our plans for the future are built upon the foundation of our past.

This idea resonated with me, so I decided to add a reflection section to my journaling practice. Every night, I take a few moments to review my day—what I enjoyed, what I could have done better, and how I can improve tomorrow. This habit feels like a physical manifestation of the idea of striving to be 1% better every day. Writing things down brings a sense of accountability, making it more likely that I’ll follow through on the changes I want to make.

What surprised me the most is how much I now look forward to this part of my journaling practice. It has become a dedicated time to be honest with myself, to acknowledge both my wins and my shortcomings, and to mentally prepare for the next day with intention. I’ve also noticed that throughout the day, I prioritize delayed gratification more often rather than giving in to procrastination. There’s something about knowing I’ll be reviewing my actions later that makes me want to stay on track in the present.

If you don’t already review your days, I highly recommend starting. Taking time to reflect on the positives and negatives of each day can create lasting change, shaping the way you live your life. After all, how we spend our days ultimately determines how we spend our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Bri