Reflection Improves Us

Reflection. We don’t do much of it. Why not? Don’t we all complain about how busy we are and long for a break? Well…take one..daily preferably, but at least weekly. Personal reflection can accomplish a number of things, but most of all it helps you learn from the interactions you’ve had with others. Are well received by those you come in contact with or did you default into some bad habits such as gossip or complaining. Did you ask more questions than made statements? Did you listen twice as much as you spoke in meetings? It’s a good time to pull out that goals list or coaching map, too and check your progress.

I also highly recommend preflection time to visualize upcoming interactions such as a sales pitch or product demonstration. It’s a best practice of top athletes and businesspeople alike. Think through what your audience needs and how you can best connect with them. Imagine them responding positively to you. What does that look like? How do you speak? What have you prepared?

Another similar exercise is contemplation. What are the ripple effects or second and third order consequences of a range of decisions you could make or courses of action you could take? More thoughtful you are in such exercises, the better the likelihood that your choice will have the intended outcome and effect.

Sometimes a coach is a great person to engage with to help you develop those habits. Whatever choice you make, make time to reflect on it.

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