Self-Reflection

Helping clients move from self-awareness to self-reflection is a key part of coaching. Once an individual has gleaned awareness (often from trusted feedback) and has started to act on it, the next step is taking time to reflect on progress.

If self-reflection is a cornerstone of personal development, what are the components of this reflection? What makes it truly beneficial? In thinking about this, two critical elements came to mind: Clarity and Compassion.

Let’s begin with clarity. Put simply it’s knowing your goal. What did you want to change or enhance in the first place? In what direction did you want to grow? This is the starting point for your actions and the focus of your reflection.

And compassion. Self-reflection requires an appreciation of both your successes and your failures. Without this you can get stuck in self-doubt and self-criticism which stifles your capacity to continue to grow.

If you take time to focus on your goal without judgement about the progress you’ve made and where you still have to go, your moments of self-reflection will be deeper and more beneficial.