Denis Manuel
Before the year ends, let us do a quick reflection and see what you have accomplished so far for these past 10 months.
Think deeply or carefully about everything you have done for the past months – from January to date, and whatever you have done or accomplished, appreciate yourself and be proud because it is not easy to make it this far. Reflecting helps you to develop your skills and review their effectiveness, rather than just carrying on, and doing things as you have always done them. It is about questioning, in a positive way, what you do and why you do it, and then deciding whether there is a better or more efficient way of doing it in the future.
Moreover, reflection is a cognitive process through which you, as an individual, contemplate your thoughts, experiences and actions.
This involves the examination and introspection of one’s feelings, beliefs, behaviours and the outcomes of their decisions and actions.
Reflection is a fundamental aspect of human self-awareness and personal growth, and it plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, including education, professional development and personal well-being.
Key points to consider when reflecting
Self-reflection: This is the most common form of reflection, which involves looking inward to explore one’s thoughts, emotions and actions. It is often used for self-improvement and personal growth.
Critical reflection: This type of reflection goes beyond self-examination and involves analysing and questioning one’s own beliefs, values and assumptions. It can be particularly valuable in challenging and expanding one’s perspective.
Reflective practice: Common in professional fields, reflective practice involves analysing and learning from one’s experiences on the job. It helps individuals improve their performance, make better decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
Benefits of reflection
Personal growth: Reflection allows individuals to gain insight into their behaviour, motivations and goals. It can lead to greater self-awareness and personal development.
Problem-solving: Reflective thinking can help you solve problems more effectively by identifying and understanding the root causes of issues.
Learning: Reflection is a critical component of the learning process. It helps learners make connections between new information and prior knowledge, which enhances comprehension and retention.
Emotional regulation: Reflecting on one’s emotions and experiences can promote emotional intelligence, helping individuals manage their feelings and relationships more effectively.
Methods on reflecting
Journaling: Writing in a journal is a popular way to engage in self-reflection. Documenting thoughts, experiences and emotions can help individuals track their progress and identify patterns in their lives. Meditation and mindfulness: Practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, encourage reflection by promoting present-moment awareness and introspection.
Conversations: Engaging in open and honest conversations with trusted friends, mentors or therapists can be a powerful way to reflect on one’s experiences and gain new perspectives.
Applications of reflection
Education: In the field of education, reflection is used to help students make sense of their learning experiences and develop a deeper understanding of subjects. Professional development: Reflective practice is commonly used in professions, such as teaching, nursing and counselling to improve skills and decision-making.
Leadership: Effective leaders often engage in reflection to evaluate their leadership style, make informed decisions and adapt to changing circumstances. Personal well-being: Reflection is valuable for individuals seeking greater self-awareness, emotional well-being and a sense of purpose in life. Reflection is a multifaceted and valuable process that enables individuals to understand themselves better, make informed decisions and grow personally and professionally. It is a skill that can be honed and applied in various aspects of life to foster continuous learning and self-improvement. It is always advisable that you get time to reflect on things you have done so far in terms of achievement and so forth, as it will help you to tell where you stand.
*Denis Manuel is a multimedia practitioner, a public speaker and a TV producer at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation with over five years’ experience in the media industry.