Reflect, Refocus, Rise: How Shalom Lamm Uses Monthly Reviews to Accelerate Growth
In a world obsessed with hustle, constant motion, and “what’s next?”, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful habits of high performers: reflection.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t earn you immediate praise. But according to entrepreneur Shalom Lamm, monthly reflection is one of the single most valuable practices for long-term growth—both personally and professionally.
“If you never stop to look at where you’ve been, you’ll keep running in circles,” Lamm says. “Reflection gives you the insight to move forward with clarity, not just momentum.”
In this post, we’ll explore how monthly reviews can become a game-changing habit, why Shalom Lamm swears by them, and how you can build your own reflection practice to unlock better decisions, deeper self-awareness, and continuous improvement.
Why Monthly Reflection Beats Yearly Goals
Most people set goals in January and forget about them by March. That’s because big goals without regular checkpoints feel distant and overwhelming.
Shalom Lamm challenges the traditional “set it and forget it” model of goal setting.
“A yearly goal is just a guess until you back it up with monthly truth,” he says.
That’s where the monthly review comes in. It acts as a mirror—showing you what worked, what didn’t, and where you need to adjust course. It turns your goals into a dynamic, living process rather than a once-a-year ritual.
Shalom Lamm’s 3-Part Monthly Review Framework
Lamm’s approach to monthly reflection isn’t about journaling for hours or tracking every tiny metric. It’s about intentional awareness in three core areas:
1. Progress
Ask yourself:
- What did I accomplish this month?
- Which goals did I move closer to?
- What small wins am I proud of?
“Even small steps matter,” Lamm reminds. “Momentum compounds. You build confidence when you celebrate progress—not just perfection.”
2. Patterns
Look for:
- Recurring challenges or stressors
- Habits that supported or sabotaged you
- Energy highs and lows
This step is where growth happens. Are you constantly procrastinating in the morning? Are certain meetings draining your energy every week? Noticing these patterns gives you insight into how to adjust.
3. Priorities
Focus forward:
- What matters most next month?
- What can I say no to?
- Where do I want to grow?
“The review isn’t just about the past,” says Lamm. “It’s a decision-making tool for the future.”
How to Build Your Own Monthly Review Ritual
You don’t need a fancy system to start reflecting. In fact, Shalom Lamm encourages people to start simple and focus on consistency over complexity.
Here’s a 5-step structure you can use:
1. Block Time
Pick one day each month (end or beginning) and protect 30–60 minutes. Treat it like a meeting with your future self.
2. Set the Mood
Grab a journal, notebook, or document. Turn off distractions. Pour a coffee or take a walk—whatever helps you think clearly.
3. Ask Powerful Questions
Use prompts like:
- What did I learn this month?
- What energized me?
- What drained me?
- What am I avoiding?
- What do I want more of next month?
Shalom Lamm emphasizes quality over quantity here.
“One honest answer is more powerful than a dozen surface-level responses,” he says.
4. Review Goals and Metrics
Check on your current goals. Are you on track? Are they still relevant? This is your chance to adjust rather than blindly push forward.
5. Create a One-Page Plan
Summarize:
- 2–3 focus areas for next month
- One habit to build
- One habit to reduce or eliminate
- One mindset shift to adopt
This clarity will guide your actions and reduce decision fatigue in the weeks ahead.
The Compound Power of Reflection
While one monthly review is helpful, the real power is in repetition.
Shalom Lamm compares it to compound interest:
“When you reflect monthly, you’re not just stacking results—you’re stacking insight. You get sharper. You spot patterns faster. You make fewer emotional decisions.”
Over time, your reviews become a record of your evolution. You can track your mindset, resilience, creativity, and adaptability—things that traditional goal trackers often miss.
What Happens If You Don’t Reflect
Without reflection, many professionals fall into the trap of busyness without direction. You may feel productive, but without review, it’s hard to know if your efforts are aligned with your actual goals.
You risk:
- Repeating avoidable mistakes
- Overcommitting and burning out
- Missing moments worth celebrating
- Letting months blur together in a haze of activity
“The cost of not reflecting is living on autopilot,” warns Lamm. “And that’s a fast way to look back with regret.”
Reflection in Business: A Strategic Advantage
Shalom Lamm doesn’t just use monthly reviews for personal growth—he applies the same practice in business.
Whether it’s reviewing team performance, marketing efforts, or strategic initiatives, monthly debriefs are built into his leadership style.
Key benefits in a business context:
- Agility: You can pivot before things go too far off track.
- Team Alignment: Everyone knows what’s working and what isn’t.
- Culture: Encouraging reflection across teams builds a learning-focused environment.
“Businesses that reflect regularly innovate faster,” Lamm says. “They spot risk and opportunity early—and that’s what wins in the long run.”
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Set Goals—Grow Into Them
Reflection is what turns goal-setting into real growth. It’s how you learn from your past, stay grounded in your present, and lead yourself with purpose into the future.
Shalom Lamm’s success is a testament to this quiet but powerful practice.
“You don’t need to change your whole life in one month,” he says. “But you do need to stop, look, and ask: Am I becoming the person I want to be?”
The next 30 days will pass no matter what. The question is—will you be wiser, clearer, and more aligned at the end of them?
Start your monthly reflection this week. Your future self will thank you.
