Plato said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When is the last time you sat down to examine your life?
Reflection and planning is the only way to turn experience into learning. The process can drive us to new levels if used regularly with honest and probing depth. All great leaders practiced the art of reflective thinking. These are people that change the world. These are people that work towards living life being the best that they can be. Some examples include Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln.
How do you become good at reflective thinking? It takes disciplined practice. A conscious effort. You must also have a desire to improve, and a drive to increase your potential.
John Maxwell has defined five key actions that will put you on the right track.
#1 Set aside time for reflection
This process does not happen naturally. We are too busy. If you don’t schedule time, it is unlikely if you will consistently practice reflective thinking.
#2 Remove yourself from distractions
Reflective thinking requires solitude. This means turning off the television, the music, your phone, and just disconnect for a few minutes to think.
#3 Regularly review your calendar or journal
These show you how you have spent your time. Check to see if your actions are aligned with your goals, your values, and with the activities that reward you.
#4 Ask the right questions
This is an area that will only improve with practice. Learning what to ask is a skill that you will develop. It is handy to keep a few cards of key questions that you can refer to that will help you jump start a reflective thinking session.
#5 Cement your learning through action
Nothing will help you grow faster than putting your thoughts into action. This is where reflection and planning become linked. It is deciding what actions will improve you that will expand your awareness and your potential.
Develop the discipline to follow these key five initiatives and watch your success grow.