There's a saying about not looking back, about how we should always keep moving forward and not get stuck in the past. And while this may be a valuable lesson, I've come to realise that sometimes 'looking back' isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Looking back gives us perspective, it allows us the opportunity to see how far we've come.
When we reflect, we are also making great use of a learning opportunity as one of the greatest benefits of reflection is being able to learn. From past successes and failures, we identify progress, values, goals and objectives... And how to be more purposeful with our time and energy.
Today I would like to invite you to take a moment and reflect on the past 2 years.
Think about every challenge you and your team faced, every obstacle that seemed impossible to overcome and the stress and anxiety that surrounded your future.
Now think about where you are. What you and your team managed to accomplish to get to this point. Even if your 'now' isn't the future you envisioned, take a moment to understand what got you to this point.
As we head into the new year soon, we suggest that you take reflection with you. Making it a habit... There are a few reasons why I say this. When we make reflection a habit,
we can use it to:
- Increase awareness of our progress or even lack thereof
- Identify opportunities new and renewed
- Structure effective plans/actions to get us back on track
- Develop new skills and focus on effectiveness
And a spinoff from the habit of reflection is that it allows our minds to pause amidst the 'chaos' that is often everyday life.
If you choose right now to make the next few minutes a quiet and reflective time,
you could even include the following types of questions:
- What are 3 things that went well today?
- What made you happy/frustrated?
- What was your biggest challenge this week and how did you overcome it?
- Am I making the most of my time and energy?
- What can I do tomorrow/ next week to get me closer to my goals?
As we therefore slowly start bidding 2021 farewell,
remember that success is determined by our daily choices and habits, it may be wise to make reflection one of them.
"Reflection is one of the most underrated, yet powerful, tools for success"
~ Richard Carlson
Staff Training is a South African soft skills training provider with more than 60 workshops on offer.
Email us at
info@StaffTraining.co.za for more info or give us a call at 0861 996 660
