There's an old African saying, 'when there is no enemy within, the enemies outside can do you no harm.' A very pertinent quote, especially in the busy times we live in. Self-awareness and the process of reflecting is a critical skill for success, be it at home, in the workplace or interpersonal relationships.
Uncovering negative thought patterns and decision making, the exercise of self-reflection corrects internal mechanism and our way to process information, thereby strengthening our decision-making abilities - a must-have skill for those looking to advance their career. To that end, here is a list of 6 self-reflecting exercises that everyone must try:
1. Ask for Constructive Feedback
We all have blinders on for topics which are either too sensitive or in which we actively practice self-deceit. Asking for feedback on a regular basis cuts through one-dimensional approaches to problems and inspires clarity of thought. However, only ask someone you respect as a mentor who won't tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear instead.
2. Meditation.
Perhaps the most underrated self-awareness exercise, Meditation is a fundamental practice that literally epitomizes 'self-reflection'. While focussing on your breath, meditation enables us to be silent with our own company while getting aware of how our mind wanders, all the while understanding our body's internal processes. Start with 15 mins a day!
3. Keep a Check on Your Self-Talk.
We all continuously talk to ourselves, often conversing about our day, apprehensions or causes for happiness. Sometimes one negative thought caused by a certain event can spiral into stress or even depression. Pay careful attention to how you respond with each success or failure and deal to yourself the same empathy and compassion you would to a friend or family member. Be your biggest cheerleader!
4. Exercise
The benefits are endless, however, exercise is a fundamental way to self-reflect and take stock of something critical - your body. Not only does exercising on a regular basis keep you healthy, it also enables biochemical reactions in your body that release endorphins. This, in turn, gives you the drive to tackle everyday challenges and face negativity head-on.
5. Write a Note Every day
Sometimes the smallest of things can have far-reaching effects. Write a little note and stick it to your fridge or desk that details your to-do list, plans or even something motivational. Such guideposts create a sense of purpose and inclusiveness which are key understandings toward the path of self-reflection.
6. Play Devil's Advocate
Taking the other side or an opposing view forces one to perceive situations differently. From an early age, we are conditioned to have a particular set of beliefs around our world view which are the toughest to change and challenge. Be your own devil's advocate and place yourself in someone else's shoe. This is perhaps the most critical of all self-reflective exercises as this not only opens you up to a world of different perspectives but also underlines how subjective conditional beliefs are.
