Reflective Practice - I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Hello Subscriber,

A long time ago, when I was still a teenager, somebody suggested to me that it would be valuable for me to write a daily journal. I’m very grateful to them.

For most of the last 50 years, I’ve written out my thoughts. And it’s been hugely valuable. Very often, I’ve only realised things sufficiently clearly when I’ve written my thoughts down.

Have I written every day over all these years? No! There have been times when I’ve gone for months without writing. But I always come back to it because I find it so valuable.

Writing a journal like this is called “Reflective Practice”.

I can’t recommend reflective practice highly enough.

Why Does Reflective Practice Work?

Reflective Practice:

• Enhances self-awareness: Reflective practice encourages us to examine our thoughts, actions, and emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of our behaviour and motivations.

• Promotes continuous learning: Reflective Practice facilitates the identification of strengths and areas for improvement, enabling us to adapt and grow through ongoing self-assessment.

• Improves decision-making: By analyzing past experiences, reflective practice helps individuals make more informed choices and apply lessons learned to future situations, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Reflective Practice - How?

Some people find that it works best for them to keep a handwritten journal.

For the last few years, I’ve used an app on my phone called DayOne. I like the way I can easily add photos and videos, and I like the automatic recording of date, time and weather.

However you do it, here are some suggestions:

• Set aside dedicated time - Allocate regular, uninterrupted moments to reflect on your experiences and thoughts.

• Be honest and self-critical - Examine your actions and decisions objectively, acknowledging both successes and areas for improvement.

• Ask yourself good questions - Challenge yourself with questions like "What worked well? What could I have done differently?"

Today’s Practice Focus

If you have questions or comments, it would be great to hear from you. Just hit reply and send me an email.

Have a great day!