The Why and How of Self-Reflection: Becoming Your Best Self

Rohan Mathew

Updated on:

How do you feel about the direction your life is going? Would you say ou’re a happy person?

It’s not an easy question to answer, especially in light of recent times. Overall life satisfaction fell by 6% in the US between 2007 and 2018—and that’s not even factoring in the tumultuous events of 2020.

If there was ever a time for self-reflection, it’s right now. Take a moment to hit the “pause” button and read this article for some fresh perspective on life.

The Benefits of Self Reflection

Too many people go through life blindly, without giving much thought to what they’re doing or why they’re doing it. Usually it’s through no fault of their own—they’re simply too busy to stop and think about self-reflection.

As a result, they fall into a cycle of negative thinking. They develop bad habits and become prone to failure. Maybe they never pause long enough to even realize what they want in the first place.

Contrast that with someone who consciously sets aside time for self-reflection. They have time to analyze, not just their mistakes, but also the things they’ve gotten right. They can identify patterns to repeat and avoid that will help them achieve their long-term goals.

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How to Self Reflect

You don’t have to do yoga on a mountaintop to practice self-reflection (although if you want to do that, that’s okay too). Here are a few self-reflection exercises and activities you can try:

  • Meditating
  • Writing in a journal
  • Spending time in nature
  • Analyzing past events
  • Making a list of things you’re grateful for
  • Identifying and setting specific goals

If you want to dive deeper, consider buying a few self-reflection books or scheduling sessions with a life coach or therapist. These might help you identify the things in your life that are most important to you—and how you can make them a priority.

Self Reflection Questions to Ask

Whichever activities you choose, the goal is to focus on you. Set aside the rest of your cares and concerns and ask yourself these questions:

  • What are my core values?
  • What are my priorities in life?
  • How can I make more time for what’s most important to me?
  • Am I truly finding the best fit for my needs?
  • What are my biggest strengths (and how can I use them)?
  • What are my greatest weaknesses (and how can I change them)?
  • What impact do I hope to have on my family or my community?
  • When am I at my very best?
  • What’s holding me back from accomplishing my biggest goals?
  • What do I truly want out of life?

As you ask yourself these questions, you can identify what’s working (and not working) in your life. This will help you close the gap between where you’re at and where you want to be.

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Try These Self Reflection Exercises Today

Life is precious and short. Don’t waste another day living a mediocre life while your biggest dreams go unfulfilled.

Bookmark this article and refer back to it any time you feel the need for self-reflection. You never know where you might end up!

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