Definition
What is Reflection?
Reflection is the act of reflecting back on experiences, information, and situations. Reflection can help us grow if we use it as a tool. Reflect for a different perspective or understanding. Reflect on what you could have done better and will do next time.
My Experience
When I think about reflection, the first image that comes to mind is me, sitting next to a pool of clear water, looking into it. I see my own reflection, and the world behind me. It looks different. I notice things that I had overlooked before. I see my world from a different angle which gives me a new perspective.
As I practice reflection in my daily routine, I think about situations, experiences, encounters, my mindset and approaches. I focus on areas that I’m not sure about, areas I’m currently focused on growing, areas that I’m struggling (or perceive that I’m struggling).
I ask myself “why” a lot.
Why am I feeling this way?
What past experiences have shaped my thoughts and beliefs about this situation?
What assumptions am I making about this situation or experience?
Are those assumptions rooted in truth?
What is that truth?
How do I know it’s true?
What areas am I grateful for? – (This question is most important for me to ask myself when I’m struggling with something).
What did I learn from this situation or experience?
How can I apply this learning to my future approaches?
How can I do (insert thought area) better next time?
What is most important for me to improve now?
What goals do I have that this new information I uncovered can benefit from?
How am I doing towards my goals?
(I set a lot of goals for myself, both short and long term. I’ll cover those in another post)
In short, reflection has become an important tool in my personal growth journey. I usually uncover a lot of information about my thought processes, my beliefs, my assumptions, my emotions, and use that information to improve. I also use reflection to improve my thought processes in new and similar situations. For example, when I reflect on a new situation or experience, I’ll realize that I need to slow down the next time and check in with myself or people I’m working with. So, I’ll do that, and learn, and get feedback, and improve. Feedback is another topic that I’ll cover in a future post.
Closing
Reflection can be a powerful tool. If you can reflect with others – that’s even more powerful. Because they can give you even more insights that can speed up your learning, and you can do the same for them. Reflection helps us become more aware in the moment, question our assumptions and beliefs in those prior moments and propel us forward towards our highest potential.
If you follow me on LinkedIn, you may have noticed that I love quotes that make me think. Here’s some that get me excited reflection.
“The world is your mirror and your mind is a magnet. What you perceive in this world is largely a reflection of your own attitudes and beliefs. Life will give you what you attract with your thoughts think, act and talk negatively and your world will be negative. Think and act and talk with enthusiasm and you will attract positive results.”
– Michael LeBoeuf
“Self-reflection entails asking yourself questions about your values, assessing your strengths and failures, thinking about your perceptions and interactions with others, and imagining where you want to take your life in the future.”
– Robert L. Rosen
“The beauty you see in me is a reflection of you.”
– Vanna Bonta
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Perceptive Zeal 
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