Self-reflection is a vital skill that helps us look at our thoughts, emotions, actions, abilities, how we think, and other general things about ourselves. It gives us the opportunity to grow in all aspects of our lives through getting to know ourselves better and finding room to improve. The benefits include gaining perspective and wisdom to understand the big picture, finding inner acceptance, improved relationships and handling difficult times. This results in making better decisions that improve our lives. When we are not self-aware, we carry on unconsciously and are often reactive to what we face. This can get in our way of achieving what we desire. Think to a time in which you reacted that led a bad outcome. Would it have helped to think things through to recognize how you can handle it best?
Each time we self-reflect have a question in mind that needs to be solved. As we become more aware of ourselves the key piece is to take a neutral stand so we are not exaggerating things and can help gauge ourselves better. Essentially, we become our own speed bumps that makes us more aware of what is ahead. We must be careful not to be overly critical of ourselves self as it can turn into self-judgement and lead to destructive thoughts. Not every thought or action needs to be analyzed but look at significant moments in our lives to reflect. Consistent self-reflection can provide tremendous growth opportunity when action is taken as the incremental improvements add up to large results over time.
Self-Reflection helps us understand what we enjoy and what we don’t
We all know well the things we enjoy but can we describe why we specifically enjoy them? By knowing exactly why we enjoy certain things we can better understand what to accept and purse in our lives. The more we know what we enjoy, the more we know what to search for. Knowing what to purse allows us to be more efficient with our time. Imagine those people who are now doing what they enjoyed as a young child, they were able to spend more time doing those same things. A great example is Sean White who started snowboarding at a young age and continued to do it professionally even during setbacks he experienced. The more we know what we enjoy, the more decisive and confident we become.
Knowing what we don't enjoy is important to understand that way we know what not to accept. This does not mean our dislikes will be avoided but we can recognize where we stand on it. When we do things we don't enjoy our tendency is to have a negative attitude and can spill over into other parts of our lives. The more we do things we don't enjoy the more tolerant we become to conforming and leads to negative outlook on life. We eventually get what we tolerate.
Self-Reflection helps us manage our strengths & weaknesses
We all have strengths whether we know them or not, but they are slightly different from our talents. The difference between the two is a strength is the ability one has developed into a consistent, high level of performance where talent is one’s natural way of thinking, feeling or doing. Our talents can only take us to a certain point whereas our strengths such as determination can take us farther than talent alone. Characteristics of strengths include any part mentally or physically where one grows when they exercise or challenge it, something one loves doing and do it well. A talent can be turned into a strength if one decides to develop it. Let’s work to grow our strengths and view it as a life-long journey. Knowing our strengths allows us to live empowered as it helps to reduce negative thoughts. Not sure what your strengths are, you could take a strength test (ex. Clifton Strength Assessment), take a personality test (four tendencies or animal test), ask people who know you, being aware of yourself to notice what you consistently do well, or try new things. Search enough and you’ll find it.
Understanding our weakness is important so we know how to manage ourselves in those areas. When we recognize and accept our weaknesses, we can become more comfortable with ourselves and can better handle when things don't come easy. It helps us become more composed and increases creativity as it forces us to find alternative solutions. Managing our weakness can be done by working to improve on them or avoid them to reduce the frustration. Everyone will differ in ways to handle their weaknesses that will work uniquely for them. Not sure what your weakness are or are reluctant to face them. Look to the things you struggle with or your failures and see if there is a pattern. Admitting your weaknesses does not make you weak but it allows to handle shortcomings. We must be honest with ourselves so can handle difficult times to be able to grow.
Self-Reflection helps us understand our thinking
When we understand our thinking and thought process, we find out why we view things a certain way and the choices we make. No one way of thinking will be best but each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and we'll find out that we cross over into different ways of thinking at times especially when we are intrigued by something new. The different ways we all think causes us to learn and comprehend in various ways which explains why some excel in a traditional school and work setting while others thrive with more freedom, others do well with a mixture of both and many with hands on experience. Getting to know our general way of thinking can help us find specific patterns that lead to desirable or undesirable outcomes that we can learn from to better and strengthen ourselves.
Conclusion
Actively self-reflecting helps us be aware of what we are going through that makes us find ways to improve. Some of us may want to grow by expanding our thinking or finding out the right direction to take in life. Let’s embrace ourselves, be patient and don't take ourselves too seriously. Making time to assess what we are going through can help make things more manageable.
Comments