Reflective thinking allows me to process the events in my life and improve myself afterward. – Dr. John C. Maxwell.
Pulling back the arrow
Before an arrow in the hand of an archer is launched forward, it must first be pulled back. At this stage, the archer measures the target, controls their breathing, and prepares to release the arrow. Reflection requires that we pause, pull back the veil on our footprints (where we have been), measure our impact, and prepare to launch forward (where we are heading) with intent, passion, and accuracy. Without reflection, it is difficult to control the flow of our thoughts, just like the archer cannot control the flow of their breathing without the pullback action of the bow and arrow. While we may not be able to control everything we face, taking control of our minds is not only possible but critical to setting ourselves up for success in the future. Author Tracie Miles said it best, “What we focus our thoughts on grows in our mind.”
My good friend Samson made this observation about reflection:
Reflection is a systematic approach to reviewing our past and using the report we generate to improve the present and plan for the future. It is the means through which we get the most out of our experiences by turning them into insight. I have found out that reflection ensures we learn something from every situation; no experience goes to waste. It is the gateway to counting our blessings.
This Month
In addition to reflection, this month, we will look at the power of:
- Repetition (8/10/23)
- Rest (8/17/23)
- Relationships (8/24/23
- Throwback Blog Post (8/31/23)
Questions For Reflection
No one moves ahead progressively and successfully without taking stock reflectively. Reflection provides moments of refreshing to our mental state. Peter Drucker, considered the father of modern management, said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” I know no better way to reflect than with questions. Over the years, I have found the three questions below to help me in the process of reflecting. I am sure they can help you reflect and challenge your thinking as well.
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
Peter Drucker
1. What has worked?
This question zeroes in on what has helped you grow. One thing that has worked for me and paid dividends is practicing gratitude. Looking around, there is no shortage of what to complain about. Add that to the fact life is not getting easier. We must choose to be better. How? One way is by practicing gratitude. I concur with Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and co-author of the moving and insightful bestseller, Option B, who, in a commencement speech in 2016, noted, “Gratitude is a key factor in developing resilience. People who take time to list things they are grateful for are healthier and happier.” Granted that everything may not go as planned, what are you thankful for now?
“Gratitude is a key factor in developing resilience.”
Sheryl Sandberg
2. What didn’t work?
By noting what doesn’t work, I can recognize what is sapping or draining my energy. Most of us suffer burnout not because we are working hard, but because we are expending energy on tasks with low to no significance. One such activity for me is trying to control everything. The more control we pursue, the less peace we possess. Similar to a credit card, control promises more freedom on the front end, but once we are hooked, it charges exorbitant fees. Peace of mind vanishes as quickly as anxiety sets in. Control eventually erodes trust, which is the bedrock of healthy personal and professional relationships. In my attempt to gain control, I discover that I lose control as I become overwhelmed. Equally, I have noticed that when I need to have control, there is a fear behind it. Be honest with yourself, where do you need to relinquish control to enjoy peace? What are you afraid of? Become the investigating reporter of your life and get to the bottom of what is not working.
The more we pursue control, the less peace we possess.
3. What am I holding onto?
Once we determine what is not working, then we need to choose to let go. Decluttering our hearts and mind just like we do our homes is vital in reflection. The inability to let go and escape old and destructive thought patterns, decisions, and actions, keeps us from pursuing a better and higher quality of life. What we keep holding onto may be the very thing holding us back from our destiny. It could be that you are holding onto something someone did to you, and the path to living your life to the fullest is through forgiveness.
The inability to let go and escape old and destructive thought patterns, decisions, and actions, keeps us from pursuing a better and higher quality of life.
Final Thought: When we reflect, we can gain insights into ourselves that we might not have otherwise noticed. We can also learn from our mistakes and make changes in our lives. Reflection is a valuable tool that can help us become better people. If you’re looking to improve your life, reflection is a great place to start. It’s a simple but powerful tool to help you make lasting changes. Apply the three questions above, and with the power of reflection, may a higher quality of life be yours.
Keep on keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 