Reflection
Reflection is consciously pausing over an experience to better understand its meaning, consequences, and possible conclusions.
Definition
Reflection supports learning, self-knowledge and more mature decisions when it leads to pattern recognition and action correction. It differs from rumination in that it has a direction: it helps you reach a conclusion, rather than just replaying the same pain or problem over and over again.
Key ideas
- Learning from experience
- Pattern recognition
- Turning insight into action
Practice and life
After an important event, answer four questions in writing: what happened, what I felt, what I learned, what I will do differently next time.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to confuse reflection with endless analysis. It is also a mistake to skip action after insight.
> Reflection does not stop life, but helps you see where it is really going.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What conclusion can be drawn from this experience?
- Does this analysis lead to a decision?
- What will I change in practice?