I believe we inherently want to learn from the past. We all have previous and varied experiences that have shaped the person we are today. It’s important that we consider all of those experiences, the challenges, the grief, the successes, and all the in-betweens. By reflecting and looking forward, we create our path and forge the life we want.

What is reflection?

Reflection is defined in a couple of ways. It can be the throwing back of light, heat or sound without absorbing it. It is also referred to as serious thought or consideration of a past occurrence. If I think about both of these things, then the outcome ultimately is a change in direction.

We can consider, or even write, reflections on what we’ve observed and how we’ve experienced or seen something. Reflections can include feelings, reactions and explanations of a scenario. Self-reflection requires additional assessment of character, actions and motives. It includes taking a step back and reflecting on your life, behaviour and beliefs.

Why reflect?

Reflection helps us to explore, examine and understand a situation. It can give us perspective as we gain insight into ourselves, consider our values, and why we take the actions we do.

A brief period of reflection can provide clarification in a moment of doubt or uncertainty. Allocated time to write our reflections allows us to develop next steps more thoughtfully.

When do you reflect?

Reflection can take place when you talk with a friend, loved one or colleague and can be in a formal setting, during a walk or sitting in the park. Ideally it is great to do at the end of a day because it forces you to slow down, adopt a mindset of curiosity and to ultimately take responsibility. You could start small with just 10 minutes of your time.

What are the benefits?

Reflections allow us to better understand what’s working and what’s not, as well as identify the things that are still not clear. This allows for improved decisions and each time there is an improvement, you build confidence, knowledge and perspective.

Reflective practice allows you to personally better understand your own learning process and provide you with further motivation to continue that growth and development. It’s a way to:

1. Help discover what you’re good at;
2. Reveal things needing improvement or awareness;
3. Build stronger relationships;
4. Develop new ways.

There can be significant power involved in acknowledging feelings or things that maybe you wouldn’t admit at the time, in particular when you might have felt influenced by judgement.

Ultimately, it is often useful to take things forward to the future; by drawing conclusions and setting up to try new strategies.

Before you start

In an effort to not waste time it is useful to remind ourselves of the Circle of Control and the Circle of Influence, which is about focussing on the things in life that we can control and not wasting our energy on the things that we cannot. It’s about the power of choice and where you spend your time. If something is within your control or abled to be influenced, then take action. Reflection is at its best when your actions are effective as they can be.

Help me start

Here are three suggested models to support reflection.

The Gibbs model of reflection (1988)

Description: What happened?

Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling?

Evaluation: what was good and bad about the experience

Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation

Conclusion: What else could you have done?

Action Plan: If it arose again, what would you do?

The three ‘What’ questions

1. What?: What evidence have I collected? What observations have I made? What feedback have I received?
2. So what?: What does the evidence/ observations/ feedback show about what I have learned?
3. Now what?: What direction do I want to take in the future?

Feelings retrospective

Simply a conversation around the following:

Smiley Face: Things that went well, that you’d like to do again or do more of.

Sad Face: Things that didn’t go so well and learnings to capture.

Puzzles me: Questions that I or others still have and things that are unclear.

Rather than a model, you might prefer some regular questions that you ask yourself, like:

● If not now, then when?

● What matters most in my life?

● Am I placing enough emphasis on my relationships?

● Am I holding on to something I should let go of?

● I feel most energised or inspired when…..

● Or even writing the words you need to hear.

Wrap up

Of course, don’t let reflection morph into an obsession where it has you feeling more anxious than ever. There will be times when we don’t even realise we’re in the midst of chaos, so imagine taking the time to sort through things and work your way through possibilities that can determine your next steps. Sometimes it can be hard to see an immediate benefit to reflection — but it’s there.

It is regularly said that we learn from experiences, but I don’t think we truly learn unless we allocate time to more fully reflect on these experiences. Then there is the process of taking it forward when thoughtful action provides the new perspective, behaviour change or effective commitment.

I’d love to hear why you think reflection is important.