Self-reflection

Self Reflection.

Looking back in order to make the view forward clearer.

A lack of self-awareness is poison. Reflection and review are the antidotes.

(James Clear)

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

(Aristotle)

Benefits of Self-reflection

What is the value of self-reflection? Why is it so important?

Self-reflection is an art of self-discovery that enables us to develop better self-insight through introspection. It allows us to develop ourselves as human beings. Thanks to it, we can learn what works for us – and the other way round – what does not. We can discover what we truly want and the sources of dissatisfaction. If these are recognised – they can be changed so that we are not stuck in a life routine which neither serves us nor contributes to our well-being.

What can we achieve due to practising self-reflection?

Among many reasons, we can:

Become more grounded, present “at the moment” and develop a greater sense of control;
Improve our communication – become more empathetic, express our thoughts in a clearer way, and therefore make our relationships better;
Better understand our true beliefs and core values – simply put, better understand ourselves;
Improve our decision-making skills;

Give us a new perspective – to make sure our judgement is clear, not in any way biased;
Facilitate learning – e.g. learning through your own experiences or even mistakes;
Learn how to respond with intent, not impulse – how to navigate difficult situations in a healthy manner.

What can you do to improve your self-reflection?

especially open-ended ones. Seems easy? That’s perfect! Try it! In order to do this, you may use EXERCISES 1 and 2 from the PRACTICE section.

Keeping a journal. Write down your thoughts so that you can have a clear view on what is going on your mind.

How about some meditation? Take some alone-time to reflect on yourself and your life, practise deep breathing.

Self-reflection board. Create one – it would be like a mind map to your self-awareness.

Reflect on situations and events – it will help you process emotions and feelings connected with what has happened. How to do it? You may use EXERCISE 3 from the PRACTICE section.

Have contact with nature.

Spend some time outdoors. Go for a walk. It will help you remove unwanted distractions and triggers.

Show gratitude. Think of all the things you are thankful for. List what makes you smile. Appreciate what you have already achieved.

Setting goals.

Try to identify your personal goals. Be specific – it will help you successfully achieve them. Follow the SMART method (discover more in the “Motivation” tab).

Another way to become more self-conscious is to take a closer look at different personality types, and which one fits you best.

Traditionally, according to ancient Greek physicians – Hippocrates and later also Galen – we can differentiate between four main ‘humours.’ Each of them was responsible for a certain personality pattern: cheerful temperament (‘sanguine’), depressive temperament (‘melancholic’), angry temperament (‘choleric’), and calm one (‘phlegmatic’) (Ashton, 2022).

However, two American women, Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, fascinated by Carl G. Jung's theory described in his book 'Psychological Types', decided to take a closer look at it. As a result, they extended the theory and created a personality test that allows us to see what equipment we were born with. The 16 personality test is one of the most popular tools for assessing personality type.

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, differences in human behaviour and personality types can be described by four dimensions:

1. E, extraversion vs. I, introversion

2. S, sensing vs. N, intuition

3. T, thinking vs. F, feeling

4. J, judging vs. P, perceiving

EXERCISES

Do I optimise my time to the fullest? Am I productive?
What is the most meaningful to me?
What makes me happy the most?
Do my values and goals go hand in hand?
Are the goals I set still valid and right in terms of achieving my goals and objectives
Do other people’s opinions matter to me?
Am I afraid of failure to the extent that it stops me from even trying?
Where do I imagine myself in ten years from now?