Reflection is one of those leadership tools that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. With all the daily demands and constant problem-solving, it’s easy to skip over it in favor of just “getting things done.” But here’s the thing—taking time to reflect can completely change the way you lead. When you pause to look back, you’re not just revisiting the past. You’re learning from it. But taking time to reflect, it can help you figure out what you can do better next time.
Maybe you’re struggling to remember key moments from the year, or perhaps self-doubt creeps in, making you second-guess your accomplishments. If that sounds familiar, start by shifting your mindset: approach reflection with curiosity, not judgment. Instead of forcing yourself to create a flawless list of wins, begin by asking yourself honest, open-ended questions. What did you learn? What are you proud of? Where did you show resilience? Reflection is deeply personal, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Why Is Reflection So Important?
- Celebrate Your Progress: It’s easy to move from one task to the next without stopping to acknowledge how much you’ve achieved. Reflection helps you see how far you’ve come, boosting your confidence and reminding you of your strengths.
- Learn from Experience: Leadership is a learning process, and reflection is the bridge between mistakes and growth. Honest reflection allows you to extract lessons and apply them moving forward.
- Clarify Your Goals: Reflection connects your past experiences to your future ambitions. This can help you set intentional, values-driven goals for the year ahead.
To make next year’s reflection easier, consider building habits that help you capture milestones as they happen. Start a simple “wins journal,” where you jot down moments you’re proud of or lessons you’ve learned, no matter how small. You could also create a folder in your email or notes app to save feedback and achievements. Did a co-worker say something nice about you? You can use it for your reflections! Your supervisor is probably busy and worrying about multiple employees. They don’t remember what you’ve done. Remind them. Regularly documenting these moments doesn’t just make reflection easier—it helps you stay motivated throughout the year.
Ready to invest in yourself by honing your leadership skills? Then I am excited to invite you to our New Boss Bootcamp – February 2025 cohort! Seats are limited.