When it comes to work evaluation, annual performance review seems to be a daunting agenda for most employees. Employees even consider the session as the ‘judgement day’ as they will be criticised for their lack of performance at work. Such thoughts could be emerged owing to the fact that deep down, an employee might realise that they have not done their best to deliver expected results and are afraid of getting scolded by the higher-ups for that. If this happens to you, instead of waiting for your supervisor to tell your mistakes, then why don’t you take one step ahead? Why don’t you conduct your own self-evaluation long before anyone criticise your performance?

Be it in terms of personal or professional matter, self-evaluation is a crucial thing to do. With a self-evaluation, you can find out, take a note, and solve your own problems as you will be your own judge before anyone else. This method will also help you discover tiny gaps that might stain your performance review reports and fix them right away. Additionally, self-evaluation can be a good measurement to gauge your current achievements.

The following questions will help you jot down a meaningful self-assessment:

1. How does my team see me?

It is crucial to take a note of what your coworkers say about your performance and attitude at work. Instead of seeing criticism as an offense to let you down, you should take it as a constructive feedback that will help you evaluate your own quality. Only by doing so, you can fix the mistake and improve yourself.

See also: Moving Up the Ladder: 5 Signs You Deserve a Promotion

2. Can I learn from my coworker?

To assess your skills and capability, you can compare yourself with coworkers on the same position and level. Look out and observe your surroundings to see if there is someone who you think perform better than you. Observe the way they work and compare with your own method to see if you can learn better strategy from them. Having this kind of role model also motivates you to compete and exceed your current self.

3. What is my weakness?

Be it job-related skills or behaviour, you must find out your weakness and deal with it. If it is related to knowledge and skill, you can invest in training and development such as taking online courses or pursuing formal education. If it is related to your attitude, you can always ask for advices from your supervisor or coworkers you can trust.

4. What is my best achievement so far?

From time to time, it is important to appreciate yourself by saying “Congrats! You have done well” to yourself. If you think you have not done anything, then you should try to remember the best achievement you have made at work, even in the past. This will help self-motivate while reminding yourself that if you can achieve that in the past, then why not now?

5. What wastes my time so much?

Productivity and efficiency is all about time management. You should check how you manage your time and find if there is any hole in it. Do your best to avoid any unimportant and menial activities which will make you waste your precious time, especially at work.

6. How far have I run?

Everyone should have a specific goal in their career journey. Such goal is vital to help them focus and keep their steps in the right track. Every now and then, you should evaluate how far you have run and see whether you have been closer to your goals, or got farther instead.

7. If I were my boss, will I fire or promote me?

This question will help you see from other perspective and not being selfish. You should not only think about your own sake and what is good for you. Sometimes, you need to see yourself from your boss’ eyes. Consider what your boss want from you if you were him.

Next read: Promoting Wellbeing: Tips to Manage Employees’ Mental Health in the Workplace