Usually when I hike, I let both my feet and my mind wander near and far. In a world of constant stimulation, it can be hard to find the time to think. And let’s face it, there’s nothing but time to think on a long hike. I crave the “thinking while hiking,” or “musing and meandering” time. I dwell over past experiences and conversations and think about future goals, adventures, and trips. There’s nothing quite like epic mountain views to inspire reflection and introspection. Getting absorbed in nature offers me peace and quiet. As I hike, I feel a shift inside and a sense of clarity comes over me. For many years, I was dreaming of hiking Mt Rainier National Park. I’d heard so much of its awe-inspiring powerful views. I finally made the dream come true, and the reality was even better than my expectations. I got to see stunning views of meadows, wild flowers, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. But beyond the joy of time in nature, what has stayed with me is the power of self-reflection as a useful tool to check-in and make sure I am on the right path.
Reflection puts experience into perspective. After all, we don’t really learn from experience but rather from the act of thinking about it, examining the situation (the facts and assumptions), and gaining insights. Reflection is a deliberate and active process with the objective being to learn. The idea is to take the time to explore events in great depth: assess intentions, choices, behaviors, beliefs, and assumptions. Making time for mental stocktaking unlocks the possibility of change and creating a better tomorrow. By understanding where we’ve been and where we are now, we can mindfully chart a meaningful path forward. Reflection calls for a consequential connection between past, present, and future. When we reflect, we can reset and restart.
Reflection, like rain, brings clarity. Taking time to reflect is a good way to gain a fresh perspective on things. But only when we dare think beyond our own boundaries. A higher level of thinking and mindfulness frees us to think beyond our own beliefs, assumptions, ideas, and opinions. When we dig deep enough, we create the space for new possibilities to unfold. Thinking deeply can transform your life to live more fully and closer to your potential.
WHY Reflect?
1. It builds self-awareness To reflect is to have a deeply meaningful conversation with yourself. The process of introspection, examining your thoughts, feelings, and motivation, generates self-awareness. 2. It produces insight Self-awareness can yield crucial insights. You can then take the newly acquired knowledge and wisdom with you into the real world, to progressively improve and make better decisions. 3. It puts things into perspective Oftentimes we react letting our emotions and defenses drive our behavior. Reflection empowers a proactive response to implement reasonable solutions based on logic, not emotions. 4. It affirms victories When leading a busy life, it is all too easy to overlook milestones and achievements being busy worrying about the long list of the things not yet accomplished. Reflection can bring to light the things done right. 5. It brings to view areas for growth The mind can be a friend or foe. Reflection is a great way to challenge assumptions and limiting beliefs that get in the way. It crystalizes strengths and weaknesses and clarifies opportunities for improvement.
HOW to Reflect?
Think RAIN as your guide to the process of self-reflection: Review, Analyze, Identify & Navigate.
Review the facts of the situation and circumstances.
Analyze the underlying factors and root causes of problems.
Identify appropriate solutions and opportunities for improvement.
Navigate a new way forward to do better & enable your full potential.
Build your own reflection method; e.g., a notebook, an online journal and a time and place to reflect to make it a strong and conducive habit to learning and development.
WHAT to reflect on?
Start with the following 5 questions:
What did you set out to do? What actually happened?
What went well and why? And what didn’t go well & why?
In what ways did you live up to your core values, personal mission, and purpose to leave a positive impact?
If you had to do it all over again, what 3 things would you change to make the experience better?
Where can you grow to move forward?
Really take the time to think about the reasons and intentions behind your answers to gain insights and clarify what’s next. Know that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do this, only what is right for you at the present time. The only way to get going is to start taking the first steps. Whatever action you take is the best for now. You will have plenty of time to figure out what’s working and what you need to adjust. Many of the decisions you need to make in life will have several good options. None will be perfect.
The litmus test is not whether you get it right, or wrong, but rather what you will end up learning from the experience. Remember: in life the no-lose model applies. Every choice leads to the next. Whatever you decide, it’s always a step forward. Making one choice prevents you from knowing how different choices might have turned out, but with a growth mindset, you know there’s always more to learn, more to do, more to grow.
When using reflection as a tool to grow into your potential, remember the following 3 fundamental truths:
The past doesn’t define your future. Every experience can be used as a growth opportunity. Thus, the past should inform and guide the choices and actions you make today in order to live a more fulfilling life.
Great things take time to grow. You don’t see the big oak tree in the acorn seed. Cultivating success is like growing trees from seeds. Take the time to nurture the right habits to eventually reap the fruits of your labor.
There is a time, a season, and a purpose to everything. The path is different for everybody. Limit the “shoulds” and “musts” to be inspired and live a life that is true to who you are and to share your unique gifts with the world.
The true measure of your self-reflection is to turn hindsight (looking in the rear view mirror) to insights (lessons learned.) Use reflection to be your best and to inspire others in life’s journey.
Comments