(Part 1 of 5 Part Self-Reflection Series)

19 December 2023

Welcome to this five-part series on how to make meaningful changes in your life using self-reflection. This is part one of the five-part article series on using self-reflection to make meaningful changes in life. So, if you have missed any previous articles in the series to just go to the links at the bottom of this article to find them.

Every transformational leader must develop the habit of reflection. Reflection does help us to forge ahead in life, it helps us take actions, and to gain focus as well in our spirit. As the year is rounding off, many would have already started thinking of what they've achieved so far to be aware of how they'll start planning their resolutions. But, before you start planning, it's very important that you look back with these seven core principles for they're quite vital for your reflections.

Be Positive 

You gain energy for the future, learn, grow, and experience growth when you are positive while reflecting on your past and therefore it's often recommended that you choose to be positive while you're reflecting since you have the power to choose how you reflect on your past. Never let the mistakes of your past make you reflect negatively. Learn to see mistakes as part of life and the necessities to grow and do better. Even failures are mere opportunities to do better, and they're experiments that propel us towards success. So, with a positive spirit, look at how your past has been. Even if you've had some negative experiences, think of the lessons you've learned from them that affected you positively.

Be Present 

You'll be able to see more objectively and separate yourself from your past when you stay mindful and present. The past is the past and there's a reason why it's called the "past". Live in the present but you may look at the past at a distance, even though you wouldn't want to relive it. You see, our present is a gift, and they do become more meaningful and even more purposeful when we learn from the lessons of our past. Think of what you can do to pass more time in the present moment.

Be Perceptive

Whenever you’re reflecting, it's advised that you're perceptive. Being perceptive here   means that you show more desire for intuition, understanding, or insight. In this light, it's recommended that you act like an objective investigator and scrutinize your past. The past years have certainly vested some wisdom in you and if you look inward deeply, you will see that you do have a lot to learn from your experiences. So, make sure you don't hold back from asking yourself questions that you may be afraid to or questions you're yet to ask yourself.

Be Purposeful

Reflection does help us understand and grow and it has more potential when we start from a place of compassion. If you've been struggling with pressing on towards achieving your goals, reflection can help you renew your determination, and it can as well help to get your purpose refined. Learning for present and future engagements is the purpose of reflection and you can always polish your purpose and get a clearer view and insights with reflection.

Be Perfected 

The mention of "perfection" shouldn't make you feel uncomfortable. Of course, no one is perfect, but the reality of life is that we can always keep working on ourselves continually to become better day by day. Our pasts do serve as an analytical tool and helpful metrics that can guide us in the future. And, irrespective of the fact that we may not be able to attain perfection, we must stay dedicated to serving our friends, families, and others better.

Be Proactive 

Many people, despite understanding how significant and momentous reflection is, still won't be proactive to take time to reflect. Reflection helps you to learn and grow but it demands your energy, time, and focus which are your most precious resources. You should be ready to allocate your time and energy to reflection because it's proactive work, and if you invest in reflection, you'll certainly have more to enjoy.

Be Passionate

Our passion is a vibrant energy that helps us push beyond our challenges and setbacks and trivialize them to be just little things. We’ll have enough energy to sustain us and carry us through if we cultivate the habit of celebrating the good tidings we experience. Likewise, we'll be able to laugh at our mistakes and cherish our successes when we live from our deepest passions. Do you wish to rekindle some passions that you've lost connection with? In recent years, what passion has sustained you?  These are some questions you need to ask while you're self-reflecting to infuse passion into it.

Related Articles:

Part 2 - 7 Ways to Let Go and Live a Happy Life

Part 3 - Things to Do When You Find It Hard to Let Go

Part 4 - 15 Practical Ways to Start Working on Self-Improvement

Part 5 - 10 Simple Ways to Make Self Improvement That Will Change Your Life