Categories of Self-reckoning

Self-reckoning is of two kinds and they are as follows:

The first kind: self-examination before starting any action i.e. one should check every idea that comes to his mind and not take any action until he considers which is preferred; carrying it out or leaving it. Al-Hasan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “May Allaah The Almighty Be merciful upon the one who examines every matter well, so if it is for the Sake of Allaah The Almighty he executes it, and if not, he overlooks it.”

The second kind: self-examination after doing any action and it is of three types and they are as follows:

1. One should call his soul to account and reproach it for its negligence in the acts of worshiping Allaah The Almighty; for not having performed them properly.
2. One should call his soul to account for any action that he did while it would have been better for him not to do it.

3. One should cast a critical look back at whatever permissible act or habitual act that he did and ask himself why he did it. Did he do it for the Sake of Allaah The Almighty and the Hereafter? If so, he will be rewarded greatly. Or, did he do it for this world and its trifling gains? If so, he will miss many great rewards.

https://islamstory.com/en/artical/1782