Making Time for Reflection
Reflection! Looking back so that the view looking forward is even clearer.
–Unknown Author
Goals that are not written down are just wishes.
–Unknown Author
Regardless of your profession, reflection is necessary for growth. The month of January is named for the Roman god, Janus, symbolizing beginnings and transitions. A picture of Janus depicts two faces; one looking into the past and the other with the ability to see into the future. This makes January the perfect time for looking back on the work we have done and planning forward for future endeavors.
A new year gives us a chance for new beginnings. It is the time to bid farewell to old habits and things that are not working while welcoming the coming year with new ideas and new ways of thinking. Time to use our past experiences and the knowledge we have gained to support growth and positive change.
This week, challenge yourself to slow down, sip tea, breathe deeply and reflect on the work and events of 2021. To support your reflection conversations, use these questions.
#1) What were my goals for this year?
Are my goals the same moving forward or have some things changed?
What gaps exist between my current reality and the desired reality?
#2) What barriers have hindered my progress?
What can be done to remove these barriers?
#3) Is there something I have been doing that is not working? Do I need to tweak for continued
use? Do I need to stop doing it?
#4) What does SUCCESS look like for me?
How will I measure progress?
Who/What will I need to support my success?
#5) Do I have a plan that is focused on improved outcomes, with intentional actions, and
accountability for myself and/or my team?
If your plan didn’t work, change the plan not the goal! Every successful individual and/or team has a conversation grounded in reflection. Have you and your team reflected on the work? Did you celebrate what has gone well? Do you have a plan for growth moving forward? Drop us a note, share your reflection experience.