Who are you? What do you want? Why do you want it? What are you willing to do to get it? What will you never do? What happens after you get it?
Self-reflection is taking time for meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives. Self-reflection is an essential strategy to clarify your personal and professional goals, plans, and strategies.
I try to regularly slow down and make time to reflect and plan. I generally set aside an extended amount of time for self-reflection three times a year: (1) In January at the beginning of the new year; (2) In June at the mid-year point, and (3) In December at the end of the year. My strategy may not work for everyone. Self-reflection can take place daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Sample questions include:
- Daily: What do I need to accomplish to consider today a success?
- Weekly: What are my priorities for this week?
- Monthly: What things have I done to take care of myself this month?
- Quarterly: In what professional development opportunities have I taken part?
- Annually: What is one thing I did this year that I wish I did not do?
- Authenticity – Sometimes we get so busy that we operate on autopilot. Self-reflection will help you reconnect with yourself – your values, your beliefs, your perspectives, and your strengths. It will also help you clarify where you want to improve or change as well as where you want to adjust your time and priorities.
- Growth – By taking the time to ask yourself important questions, you gain a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and mindset overall and evaluate what things are working and what things are not. Self-reflection also allows you to process your ideas, emotions, and actions in a safe and private environment. Self-reflection lends itself to the development of personal and professional growth strategies and activities.
- Success – The way that you evaluate success is different than the way you neighbor evaluates success. Success is not one size fits all. Success is individual. Self-reflection allows you to define and pursue success on your own terms.
Are you ready to take the leadership leap?
My 3C framework for leaders builds confidence, competence; and credibility. Evaluating and developing your skills as using my 3C framework for leaders are will help you lead with intention and advance along your management career path.
Related:
Self-Reflection: Time for a Mid-Year Check In
Conduct A Personal SWOT Analysis
Do Managers Need A Personal Mission Statement?
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is a travel and cupcake lover with a passion for self-discovery and career advancement. She has an extensive background in developing and managing interns and successful internship programs. She is an accomplished supervisor, professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has merged her Master of Social Work degree and 20 years of diverse work experience into a thriving business. Nicki Sanders Consulting helps businesses increase employee recruitment and retention and helps managers uplevel their leadership skills.
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