There’s an awkwardness in new beginnings. The first time you do something new is ripe with emotion, whether you’re proud as a peacock puffing your chest out as you accomplish the task or meek as a mouse scuttling around to complete it hoping no one is looking.
Mental tasks, like reflection, require easing into as much as physical tasks, like running your first 5k.
There’s comfort in routine, when stretching becomes more of a slide into the familiar. We can get so wrapped in our first- and second- and third- times that we don’t see that horizon.
This suggests that a strategic plan is beneficial for mental tasks as much as physical tasks. If you’re willing to adhere to a couch-to-5k training schedule, why wouldn’t you prepare yourself for a reflection routine in the same way?
Make time to take time for reflection.
Unfortunately, the three-week rule is a fallacy. It can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a habit. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, suggests four rules that will boost the process:
- Make it obvious.
- Make it attractive.
- Make it easy.
- Make it satisfying.
Ensure that you’re setting aside obvious time to reflect on your day, both in business and personal matters. Make it an attractive time, whether that’s starting the day by clearing thoughts out of your mind and onto paper or ending the day with the closure of putting your thoughts to bed.
Use the tool or process of reflection that serves you best.
How you choose to record your reflections, both the method and the tool, should fit Clear’s rules, as well.
- A diary beside the bed, perhaps one of those 5-year one-line-a-day types, might be obvious, attractive, easy and incredibly satisfying when you see your insights from five years in one page.
- Bullet journals or sketchbooks may allow you to express your thoughts with more creativity.
- Audio or video logs can be recorded and archived for those who get finger cramps just thinking about journaling.
A standardized method of recording your thoughts may also prove beneficial, providing ease and satisfaction in the process. Chris is a big proponent of his daily ten-item brainstorms. Every day, Chris writes down a question. Then, he generates 10 answers to that question. He’s noticed that his reflection on these topics has really differed from one period of growth to the next, and that his questions and answers reflect that growth.
Measure what matters – and reflection matters.
Measuring your reflection means recording and reviewing. You may find common themes. You may have noted where there was once discomfort, now there is none. You may also find sore spots that need to be addressed.
Consider this analogy – your team meets every Thursday morning and at each meeting, the Leader asks this odd question, “what colour of car did you park beside this morning?” The first Thursday, you’re searching for the answer, trying to picture where you parked and the cars next to you. Maybe you even feel silly for being unobservant. The next Thursday, you’re surprised but you don’t have to try so hard to remember the car beside yours was white. The following Thursday you’re even a little proud because you remembered on purpose. And it gets so answering this question becomes second nature.
You’d feel the same if the Leader had reflected on wins from the week previous. The first week might be awkward and even humorous. There’d be a point where you’d be proud. But then the process would normalize and become comfortable. A year would go by and you would have a list of 52 really great things you accomplished.
This is the power of regular reflection. Not only are you normalizing the lessons you learn on a recurring basis, you’re recording these lessons and your accomplishments. You’re developing self-awareness and celebrating your growth.
What’s your reflection style? Is there a tool you’ve used and loved? Please tell us all about it in the comments!
