The end of the year presents us with the wonderful opportunity to look back over the year that has been, reflect on it and make a fresh start as the new year beckons.
What it means to reflect
To reflect is to review our lives, to analyse everything that was and to learn from it. This can enable us to leave behind those things or attitudes that did not work, and help us to embrace the possibilities of the new year and the rest of our lives.
What can be gained from reflection? Reflection helps you to…
-
- Figure out who you really are
-
- Understand yourself better
-
- Know what you really want from life
-
- Establish your core values
-
- Find a clear vision for your life/career
-
- Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.
How to practice reflection
For most people the best way to practice reflection is to find some time to themselves, find a quiet corner somewhere and then let their thoughts go. Alternatively, you can set aside some time every day for a week or two to contemplate, or even journal about it every day.
Reflective questions are a great tool to start this conversation with yourself. You can make notes or even write an essay about what the past year represents. It could also be helpful to talk with other people in your life about it – they can offer insights and perspectives that can help you gain valuable insight into yourself and your life.
Ten reflective questions to start the process
- What would I have done differently?
- What did I learn?
- What did I do right/wrong in the past year?
- What did I contribute?
- What did I accomplish?
- What were the biggest obstacles/challenges I faced?
- What made me happy/sad, and brought me joy/grief?
- How did I change/improve over the last year?
- What am I most proud of/what do I most regret?
- What am I most grateful for?
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day of you wanted to know more about reflection.
Sources:
k6educators.about.com
reflectionleadership.net
successnet.org
www.appleseeds.org
www.divinecaroline.com