Reflection Improving From Within

We think all the time and our minds wander everywhere, past, present and future. I never

realized the ramblings in my mind could be used to make me a better me. We will see how we can improve our lives by training our brains.

Nothing is ever that simple! If we want change, it will require we put in some work. As we read on, We’ll learn more about ‘Reflection’ including the types, methods, and benefits.

Hopefully. This article will motivate you to learn more about the information you're about to digest. Enjoy.

What Does It Mean To Reflect

We can assume that ‘Reflecting’ is deliberate thought or consideration of a memory, concern, or even a traumatic experience. Sometimes we reflect just to make sense of it all. When we reflect, it is to process emotions with thoughts and feelings.

Reflecting causes us to explore and explain a turn of events. Even at times, we try to rationalize what took place. What could have been handled differently? Why did/didn’t this or that occur? And fifty more questions revolving around in our minds.

It is also possible to reflect on the future. Doing things differently, going left instead of right, or choosing not to push that button next time. Reflecting is also a means of balance within.

What Are The Different Types Of Reflection

Reflection-in-action and Reflection-on-action are the two primary types of reflection. Reflection-in-action means taking a look at a situation while it is occurring. For example, while you’re in line to make a purchase, you think about all of you're more important needs versus that purchase. This is Reflection-in-action.

On the other hand, Reflection-on-action is evaluating something after is has happened. For instance, you have second thoughts about the choice you made to spend your bill money to join an investment program. It seemed like a good idea at the time. However, now you’re rethinking that decision.

Whether in-action or on-action, we tie emotions and feelings to a situation. It’s in our nature!

Sometimes we get it wrong and want to avoid repeating the incident; sometimes we get it right and we want repeat the success; or other times, we are just like thinking.

While there are still more types of reflection, for brevity I only discussed two here.

What Are Some Methods Of Reflection

The proper term for it “Reflective Practices” which covers a host of methods and techniques that help people reflect on their experiences. According to participatorymethods.org, “Reflective practice enables recognition of the paradigms – assumptions, frameworks and patterns of thought and behavior – that shape our thinking and action.”

This practice is primarily used for professional development in health professionals; however, it is being adapted to people in all walks of life.

The chart below demonstrates the Gibbs Reflective Cycle:

The University of Edinburgh defines the 6 stages:

1. Description of the experience
2. Feelings and thoughts about the experience
3. Evaluation of the experience, both good and bad
4. Analysis to make sense of the situation
5. Conclusion about what you learned and what you could have done differently
6. Action plan for how you would deal with similar situations in the future, or general changes you might find appropriate.

Based on this theory, it is possible to use reflection to potentially change our lives.

Here Are Our Benefits of Reflecting

The benefits of reflecting is measurable. Reflecting provides an opportunity to view accomplishments, failures, and more. We’re

given the opportunity to look back or forward to better ourselves.

We gain a sense of self when we reflect. Yes Mr. Miyagi, wax on/wax off! We make better decisions when we think about our situation.

Relationships oftentimes become better as we evaluate ourselves and those we interact with. Reflecting allows us to develop stronger decision-making skills.

Eliminates much self-doubt by relieving of questioning one’s self and reduces stress within.

Can Reflecting Change My Life

Can reflecting change our lives? The short answer is yes! As we pursue our goals, dreams, and build our futures, looking over past decisions and outcomes gives us the opportunity predict where we may land.

It is necessary for some thought to be put into the mix. Losing ourselves during an event could be catastrophic. Are we will make bad choices, absolutely.

Nonetheless, reflecting on the situation minimizes any permanent damage. That’s a bonus we can live with.

Reflecting can change our lives in a number of ways. The game changer is taking advantage of opportunities to better ourselves. Never evolving is not an option. Okay, made a bad choice? Get up, dust yourself off, and try again! Yeah, I went Beyonce on ya.

At the very least, we are known to be thinker.

Let’s Bring It Home

Now we know what Reflection means. It is the process of assigning feelings and emotions things that we’ve gone through. Not to mention, we can use reflecting to affect our future.

We discussed two types of reflection: In-action and On-action. In-action refers to while an incident is occurring and On-action is reflection as an afterthought.

With that said, reflecting is nothing more than a tool to help us improve our lives. If you can master the reflective techniques, great! However, if you can’t, we can still benefit from the practice.

There are methods and techniques to aid in Reflection. Nowadays, there’s a scientific solution for everything. Understand, there is no mystical script to follow and there’s a possibility that what work for one person may not work for another.

The fact that there are benefits to using reflecting for a better lifestyle, is just one benefit of reflecting. Now we understand that utilize reflecting as a tool to change our lives.

Information is free, come enjoy some with me. Come share with me what you experienced so we can talk about it.

Join me and let us make sense of it all!

Feel free to reach out in the space below. I welcome the opportunity to have a discussion with you.

Comment, Like, and Share

To your success and growth,

Ronnie

Founder of Good Time To Shine