Mirror Mirror on the wall - Successful strategies include reflection

Reflection is an essential part of any successful strategy. By taking the time to reflect, you can determine what is and isn't working and make adjustments to ensure your strategy is meeting your needs. Regularly doing this can also help you stay on track and be more productive in the long run.

Reflection can involve asking yourself questions such as: What went well? What didn't go so well? What could I have done differently? What new skills did I learn from this experience? How can I use this knowledge in the future? What could I have done better next time?

There are no wrong ways to reflect; finding what works for you and brings you peace is important.

The following are 6 examples or ideas of how to use reflection.

1. Writing: Clients have kept written journals or diaries to track their thoughts and feelings throughout the day and then look back at them over time to see how they’ve changed. 2. Art: Drawing, painting, sculpting, or other art forms have been an excellent way for clients to express themselves and reflect on their emotions without putting them into words. 3. Music: Listening to music that resonates with how one is feeling can be a powerful way for clients to explore their emotions and gain insight into themselves. 4. Exercise: Exercise can help clients clear their heads and focus on the present moment to gain clarity and insight into their feelings. 5. Meditation: Taking time out of the day to focus on one’s breath, body sensations, or even a mantra can help center the mind so that reflection becomes easier. 6. Nature Walks: Taking time in nature—whether a park or a forest—can help ground oneself in reality while being mindful of the present moment to get in touch with one's feelings more easily.

Scheduling reflection into your life can be a great way to ensure that you make time for self-reflection and growth. This could include setting aside specific times of the day or week to think, meditate, journal, or even talk with a mentor or friend about how things are going in various areas of your life. By scheduling in reflection as part of your regular routine, it will become easier over time.

In your reflection practice, you can use or be mindful of these 6 things.

1. Be honest and non-judgmental: Take the time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judging yourself.

2. Identify patterns: Reflect on patterns in your behavior and how you may be contributing to certain outcomes.

3. Ask questions: When reflecting, ask yourself meaningful questions that will help you gain insight into why you did what you did or how you feel about something.

4. Set goals: Use reflection to set realistic goals for yourself so that you can move forward with purpose and intention.

5. Consider others’ perspectives: Reflect on the perspective of those around you; often times our own point of view can be limited or biased after a particular experience. 6. Don’t forget the positive aspects: Remind yourself of all of the positive qualities and experiences that have helped shape your life thus far - these are just as important as mistakes or missteps along the way!