There is a difference between thinking and reflective practice on our past actions. Reflective practice means consciously thinking about all past events, positive or negative with no bias. You relive the moment and see it through a clearer, calmer mind.
Whether reflecting daily, weekly or yearly, it can be a true game changer in terms of where you are going in life! Because no matter what takes place, you should be learning from experience – positively or negatively. Enhance the positive and learn from the negative!
Why reflect:
- Learn from your mistakes. If insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results, well reflection can keep you sane!
- Gain access to great ideas through your experience. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a blogger, a manager or an employee your experiences can spark new business or writing ideas.
- Helps you help others. Maybe you missed something in the heat of the moment and during reflection, you can see clearer. Alternatively, maybe you said something that during reflection you’ll see that you owe somebody an apology!
- Gives you perspective. What actions have I done to get me closer to my goals? Or what actions did I do that are harmful towards my mental being?
How to reflect on past events and actions:
- Journal. This is my preferred best practice, as whatever is written down will be kept forever. You can make a list of all that has happened and pay particular attention to the “negatives” this way. Those are the best teachers! No matter what happened be sure to write a future action next to it. E.g. repeat/ don’t do again/ do more of/ research etc.
- Go for a walk without your phone. You can walk for 20 minutes with no technology and focus your thoughts on past events and actions. Best practice is to do this at the same time of each day.
- Driving and stuck in traffic. If you genuinely have no time for a breather, maybe whilst stuck in traffic, you can record yourself on what happened or what you would like to change.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards,” Soren Kierkegaard.
What other ways can you think of to reflect? Will be happy to hear your thoughts!
Fotis
