How Can Self Reflection Make You Happier And More Successful?

Our brain analyzes tonnes of data in one day. We are constantly observing and analyzing. It could be an essential document from work, or maybe trying to learn about a new gadget, or may just a confusing text from an ex. Our brain is perfectly trained to obtain data and find a deeper understanding and explanation. But, when it comes to applying the same concept to our lives, we fail to do so.

Happiness and success are something we all search for all our lives. But not many of us realize while we are looking for it outside, its ability to achieve was always there inside. Introspection involves taking a step back and analyzing your life, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires in order to get an insight. Introspection in broader terms can be explained as Self Reflection.

What is Self Reflection?

Human Self Reflection is defined as the capacity of the human mind to introspect one’s character, actions, and motives. This is something that distinguishes us from other species, something which makes us a superior species. It is not just a daydreaming project; it is much deeper than that. It is the best way to learn about yourself. However, it is vital that you do it correctly. Regular Self Reflection can help you grow both personally and professionally. It also brings meaning to your life, and you feel enriched from deep within.

Why is it so important to have a self-reflection?

We heard and understood the importance of Self Reflection. However, how often do we do that? We simply go on with our daily life. We just keep finding excuses and keep procrastinating for various reasons. Sometimes you are too busy, or maybe you don’t have the energy to do it, and at times it simply gets delayed because you are too lazy to do it. It is understandable that it is difficult to slow down from our crazy life, where everybody is expecting us to move faster. However, it is a crucial task and must not be avoided infinitely. You must set aside some time for yourself; it is more important than you think it is.

You may be successful in your current profession and happy in your personal life today. However, the lack of Self Reflection will become a barrier to move further. Moreover, you may end up being resentful and leading a meaningless life. We do realize that is not what anyone of us wants in our life. Self Reflection is something that nurtures you from the inside which aims for long-term life goals.

What are the benefits of Self Reflection?

Provide a Perspective
Failures in life are often pictured negatively but people who take out time to self-reflect and analyze what went wrong, they are more likely to avoid the same mistake next time. They plan what can be done differently next time. Life is full of ups and downs, make Self Reflection a must exercise in both situations. This technique is followed by all the major sportspersons and their coaches. A positive perspective about the situation will answer your question and help develop a positive attitude in life.

Improves Self Awareness
Many people chase success aimlessly, without understanding whether that is what they really want in life. They never defined what success really means to them, it is often shallow and doesn’t add any meaning to your life. Self Reflection makes you self-aware. It enables you to set your priorities right and set the course for self-improvement. You head towards your real life goal with more confidence, vigor, and a clear head.

According to Deepak Chopra, motivational Guru and life coach,

“By becoming self-aware, you gain ownership of reality; in becoming real, you become the master of both inner and outer life.”

Self Reflection

Keeps you focused on the bigger picture
Self-reflection enables you to see things from a different point of view. Most of the time we are so involved in looking into small intricacies that we fail to notice the bigger picture. When you take a break and introspect, then you develop a new understanding of the situation. You start to see the whole picture where all the small scattered puzzle pieces in your mind come and join together to give you clarity. This enables you to focus on the important things and eliminate the smaller trivial matters which keep you tied down.

Strengthen Emotional well-being
Self-reflection begins from inside. When you look inside, you develop two components, self-awareness, and self-regulation. Self-awareness gives you an insight into your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and goals, and it also identifies their impact on the people around you. Then comes the second phase of self-regulation which helps you develop the ability to manage your troublesome and impulsive emotions and adapt to the changing circumstances. The ability to manage your emotions can bring you magical results. This skill will positively impact both your personal and professional life and can even elevate your role as a leader.

Much greater confidence
When you start reflecting you get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. And once you start working on your strengths, it develops your self-confidence. The more you reflect on your strengths, the more confident you will be. Confidence is a crucial personality factor for managing the complicated lives we lead. The life which involves meeting the needs of our career, family, community, and most importantly SELF.

Better and refined thought process
All of us have a moment in life when we wish that we could take back what we said. It is human to err where the anger takes over our sensible self, and we react without understanding the repercussions of it. However, when you start to reflect on a situation, you tend to act more responsibly next time. That is actually the beauty of this whole self-reflection process; you have better clarity of your own thought process.
It is always advisable to not make any important decision with a troubled mind. There is a “24 hours of waiting principle” where you wait for a day and then make a decision with a calmer and decluttered mind.

How to do Self-Reflection?

So here is a brief step-by-step guide of the self-reflection process.
The process of self-reflection is easier and pretty straightforward. It consists of four steps:-

STOP: Hold yourself together and take a step back from the situation.
LOOK: Close your eyes, then visualize the situation as the third person and understand what you see and notice.
LISTEN: Listen to your inner self, it might not happen instantly but give yourself time. The innate wisdom inside you will emerge eventually.
ACT: Now decide the action that you want to take for moving forward, whether you want to adjust, change or improve a specific situation.

How to make Self-Reflection a part of your life?

The self-reflection is not necessarily a solo journey. It doesn’t come that easily to everyone. You can always take the help of a friend or a therapist who can hold your hand and help you walk through the whole process. Try to change your habits and make self-reflection a regular part of your life.

There is no right or wrong in this approach. The results may differ from person to person. However, one thing is sure that this is one of the most powerful and liberating experiences that you ever have. Continuous practice can help you reach your full potential.

In the end, I would like to leave you with a quote from John Dewey-

“We Don’t Learn from Experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.”