The article, authored by CircleCI engineers Stig Brautaset and Cian Synnott, explores the concept and benefits of personal retrospectives in the professional realm, particularly in software engineering. These retrospectives involve analyzing past work and experiences to identify areas for self-improvement and growth, similar to reviewing practice sessions in music to enhance skills. Writing a personal retrospective helps engineers assess their performance, share insights with colleagues, and manage career progression independently from organizational performance systems. The article discusses various formats for retrospectives, such as the "4Ls" (Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed for) and narrative forms, and provides guidance on compiling and sharing these insights. By fostering a culture of open learning and reflection, personal retrospectives can lead to more effective work practices and greater job satisfaction, enabling individuals to address challenges and embrace rewarding aspects of their roles.