Why Self-Reflection Is the Key to Growth

  What comes to mind when you think about self-reflection? According to a Harvard Business article, some of the top reasons even the strongest leaders avoid self-reflection are:

• They don’t understand the process.
• They don’t like the process.
• They don’t like the results.
• They don’t see the benefit of the efforts made toward self-reflection.

But why is self-reflection so important? And can you be successful without it? I’m sure you can achieve some kind of level of success without reflection—depending on what you deem to be success. But I believe growth and success are closely related, and it is almost impossible to grow without some kind of reflection. Because, like the article says: “Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions. For leaders, this “meaning making” is crucial to their ongoing growth and development.” Self-reflection is key to learning. And learning is key to growing. If you are not making time for self-reflection, you are not making time for growth. [bctt tweet="If you are not making time for self-reflection, you are not making time for growth." username="dukematlock"] But what does self-reflection look like? Well, that’s up to you.  

How to reflect

Some people might need to self-reflect with another person; talking out what it is they’ve been learning about themselves, their work, etc. Others may feel more comfortable writing it down in a journal, or keeping an ongoing note in their phone.  

When to reflect

That’s up to you, too! It may take you 10 minutes one day and then 30, 40, 60 minutes the next—start small and work your way towards longer reflection time. The article also mentions scheduling time to reflect on your calendar so you follow through. This could be at the end or beginning of the day.  

What to reflect

The biggest question of all. What do I need to be reflecting on? Whatever you choose to reflect on is up to you. I suggest reflecting on any situations that stick out to you as you go about your day—whether it’s a conversation, confrontation, meeting, decision, or crazy thought—jot down a “ponder list” of things you’d like to go back and reflect on later. Here are some suggestions from the article:

• What are you avoiding?
• How are you helping your colleagues achieve their goals?
• How are you not helping or even hindering their progress?
• How might you be contributing to your least enjoyable relationship at work?
• How could you have been more effective in a recent meeting?

  And here are some more suggestions I’d like to add:

• How have you been handling work/life balance lately?
• How could you have handled a recent conversation better?
• How have your priorities changed in the last few weeks? Has that been intentional?

  May your “ponder lists” be long and your insights mighty!    

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