Setting aside time to reflect on what is important to you can be a great way to discover more about yourself and your values and ensure that you are on track to being the best version of you. Reflecting on the words of others can be a great way to question ourselves and our beliefs, why we hold certain beliefs and whether the beliefs keep us in protection mode or allow us to grow. So let’s dig a little deeper into what reflection can bring us.

Why Reflect?

Have you ever read a quote and sensed a real connection with the words? Maybe it has caused you to re-evaluate the way you looked at a certain situation or caused you to understand the response of somebody that you previously didn’t agree with. It is important to take time in our busy lives to question ourselves, to allow ourselves the space to check in on our behaviours and ensure we are heading in a positive direction. When we do this regularly, reflecting on the same quotes or statements over prolonged periods of time, we can start to notice any improvements or changes we are making… or not making as the case may be.

Reflection does not need to be a solo activity either. If there is a particular quote or statement that has got you questioning the way you view the world, it is something you can create discussions around. Reflecting on beliefs with friends or colleagues can be a great way to get different viewpoints and opinions and that in turn can further enhance your personal development.



What are the benefits?

Reflection has huge benefits including raising self-awareness which in turn can build emotional intelligence. Questioning the way your mind works can help you to understand deeper levels of your personality and view of the world. With a greater understanding of yourself, you can start to implement changes (if necessary) in a positive way which can allow you to grow and develop as a person. This can also lead you to stronger and more meaningful relationships with others both in your personal and work life.





How do I do it?

There is no real right or wrong way to reflect and should be done in a way that feels right for you personally. However, here are some guidelines to get you started:



Set aside time specifically for the reflection. This should just be done whilst busying yourself with other activities. Give yourself dedicated time to truly clear your mind of other focuses and channel all of your energy into the reflection.

Make notes – writing down your reflections can be a great way to measure your progress or growth over time. These do not need to be long journal entries, they could be bullet point notes on any thoughts or emotions that come up whilst reflecting on specific events or quotes.

Our Reflection category has 9 different thought-provoking quotes to get you started on this. Read the quote and really give some thought on what it means to you, what emotions arise when you read the words, what meaning do you take from them? Do the quotes make you question any previously held beliefs? How can you use that to grow and develop yourself? If you select the same card twice over time, get out your previous notes and compare and contrast your thoughts between then and now. Check in to see if and how you have used your learnings in the time passed.

Reflection can be difficult to begin with but if you persevere you will find yourself becoming a happier, more fulfilled, more understanding and more efficient you.