The Power of Reflection: Breaking Free from Old Patterns
Reflection is a skill that has transformed my life.
As someone who studied leadership development during my PhD, I’ve spent a lot of time diving into research about how individuals grow and change. One of the biggest takeaways from that research is the importance of reflecting on our experiences. Without it, we tend to react in the same ways we always have, repeating patterns that may not serve us anymore.
Think about it: how many times have you found yourself in a familiar situation, reacting automatically without stopping to consider if there’s a better way? That’s what happens when we don’t reflect. We get stuck in routines, often without even realizing it. But when we take the time to think critically about our experiences, we give ourselves the opportunity to grow and make intentional choices about how we move forward.
For me, reflecting on fear has been a game changer. I experience a lot of fear and anxiety around starting new things—even things I’m deeply excited about, like starting my business. When I took the time to reflect on that fear, I realized something important: I was letting it hold me back. I was waiting for the fear to go away before taking action, and as a result, I wasn’t moving forward.
Reflection helped me reframe my approach. I decided ahead of time that I would take action, even if I was afraid. I told myself, It’s okay to make a mistake. If it’s the wrong decision, I’ll learn from it and try something different. That mindset shift didn’t eliminate my fear, but it gave me the courage to act anyway.
Reflection isn’t about overanalyzing or getting stuck in the past—it’s about learning. It’s about asking yourself, What did this experience teach me? How can I use that knowledge to make a different choice next time?
If you feel stuck in old patterns or afraid to take the next step, I encourage you to take some time to reflect. Write down your thoughts, talk them through with someone you trust, or simply sit quietly and ask yourself what your experiences are trying to teach you. Growth happens when we pause to learn from the journey.
Call to Action:
Explore more about the power of reflection in Chapter 11 of Beauty from Chaos. Use the exercises and insights to help you break free from old patterns and embrace growth, even when it feels uncomfortable.
