Mirror, mirror on the wall: The surprising benefits of self-reflection

Self-reflection is the ability to reevaluate our actions, thoughts, and beliefs. This is an extremely integral skill on the journey of growth. Many adults fail to master this skill even by the end. However, once one begins self-reflection, it becomes second nature. This skill can cause leaps in the journey of growth.

There are many surprising benefits of practicing self-reflection. It can change an individual’s perception of life, and they may introduce various changes in their behavior. However, self-reflection also takes time to perfect. This blog has been made to help readers understand what self-reflection is, the benefits of it, and how to practice it in the workplace.

Understanding self-reflection

Self-reflection is the act or ability to look back, decipher, and reevaluate our actions, emotions, thoughts, and choices. This skill is effective to improve oneself and to be a better person in life. It can help mitigate conflicts and find more peaceful ways to live life. There are many ways one can practice self-reflection in their daily lives:

• Journaling: Writing is an effective tool to understand thoughts and feelings. Journaling every night can help you to reevaluate your actions and thoughts throughout the day. When writing about some event in your life, always attempt to write down- why, how, who, and other relevant information to understand each thought.
• Meditating: Meditating is a traditional method of relaxing and letting the stress of the day wash away. Sitting in silence, many people think back on past actions and thoughts and try to understand them without judgment during meditation. The deep breathing calms the mind and allows space for new perspectives.
• Taking feedback: Consulting loved ones or colleagues from time to time and evaluating actions can be beneficial when self-evaluating especially for HR, managers, and leaders. However, it can be difficult to receive honest feedback in person and use anonymous feedback channels to collect feedback to get honest criticism. This will contribute to both professional and personal growth.

Mental health benefits of self-reflection

Self-reflection is beneficial for interpersonal relationships and many other aspects of life. There has been much discussion and studies on self-reflection- it has been linked to improved mental wellbeing and emotional maturity.

As one recognizes the power of self-reflection as a tool, it can be understood why this skill needs to be emphasized. This skill must be recognized especially in fields that require management skills. These qualities can push HR professionals and leaders to be successful. Let us take an in-depth look at what mental health benefits can come from self-reflection:

• Clarity: Often times many conflicts and interactions leave us confused, frustrated, and perplexed. Self-reflection may help you find the answers to these questions. Reflecting on past events can introduce varying perspectives and may help us make observations that were previously missed!
• Self-control: When becoming more aware of your emotions, thoughts, and actions, one understands your patterns of behavior. This allows for more control over actions and thoughts. One can correct themselves if they have previously reflected on this pattern of behavior, before committing to the action itself.
• Higher self-esteem: Individuals who understand their emotions and feel in control of their actions, tend to have higher self-esteem. These individuals generally are more secure in their lives and are more likely to avoid conflicts.
• Improved coping mechanisms: Now and then, life throws some challenge to everyone’s lives. However, how we deal and cope with such challenges are what sets us apart. People who have self-respect tend to have improved coping mechanisms due to their in-depth understanding and control over their emotions and feelings.

Implementing self-reflection in the workplace

A workplace is always in need of self-reflective managers and HRs to ensure proper team management and performance. This effect can be amplified if team members are also practicing such self-reflection. This will ensure minimum conflicts and mature discussions. However, implementing self-reflection in the workplace can be difficult. Here are a few tips to achieve a self-reflective workplace:

Encourage a culture of self-reflection: Providing sessions or pamphlets to guide employees on their journey to self-reflection is important. This can encourage and promote a culture of self-reflection within the team.

Tools and techniques: Promoting the use of journaling, self-assessment questionnaires, feedback sessions, and other channels of self-reflection can be the nudge employees need to get started. Teach employees to pick their best suited channel for reflecting to ensure smooth process.

Measure the impact of self-reflection: Monitoring key metrics can be key to understanding the progress of self-reflection among the team. The number of conflicts and disputes, wellbeing progress, and performance are key indicators that can provide insights into the team's progress on self-reflection.

Conclusion

Self-reflection is often thought to be tough and nuanced, but it boils down to understanding one’s emotions, actions, and behavioural patterns. It includes evaluating whether we feel our actions were right or wrong and allowing us to change such patterns in the future. This can lead to many positive outcomes, especially in personal and professional lives. Workplaces should promote self-reflection techniques within the team to ensure maximum performance and minimum conflicts. Following the progress and making changes to the strategies to implement self-reflection is important as well. Monitoring the progress will provide insights into the effectiveness of implementing self-reflection. Making changes to the program is essential to tweak the strategies to best fit your team.

Manahverse is an A.I.-powered free-to-download app. This app is aimed at supporting the employee wellness journey. One can journal and reflect on the app itself, making it an effective tool to use for self-reflection as well. Furthermore, users can book a session with a mental health professional to get appropriate help.

FAQs

How often should employees practice self-reflection?

Regular self-reflection, ideally daily or weekly, helps maintain consistent growth and mental health benefits.

What are some simple self-reflection techniques for beginners?

Journaling, mindfulness meditation, and seeking regular feedback are effective starting points for self-reflection.

How can organizations support self-reflection among employees?

Providing resources, creating a supportive culture, and incorporating self-reflection into performance reviews can promote this practice.

Can self-reflection help with career development?

Yes, self-reflection can clarify career goals, enhance decision-making, and identify areas for professional growth and improvement.