The Gift of Introspection: a Thanksgiving Reflection

As the year draws to a close, we pause, look back, and give thanks for our blessings. Like you, I'm ever thankful for my family, friends, and faith. I'm also grateful for the gift of introspection. I've beheld and benefited from its power this year, but I've also learned that looking inward is far easier for some than it is for others. Why is this? I've wondered. Is it an age thing? A hard-wired personality thing? Or what?

I'm not sure. I do know introspection at any age is difficult. One must be honest with oneself - and that can be tough. Taking action can be even tougher, but analysis without action is nothing short of paralysis, and that's downright painful.?

I can say this: introspection has gotten easier with time and practice, and I suspect this is true for many of us. I started by asking: what's really most important to me? Considering where I've been -- pursuing the upper echelons of corporate America and succeeding by most objective standards -- what kind of life do I want going forward? On deep reflection, I've realized my connections and experiences with others have brought me the most satisfaction and joy!

Here's what I mean: Covid-19 grounded most of us frequent fliers for nearly two years. After all this time, I finally took a business trip to Denver to visit my old Core Lab Sales team during their semi-annual business review. Just. Wow! What an amazing experience this was, catching up with these folks, who, in fact are really more like friends or family than they are business colleagues.?

I was delighted to see that they are all doing well and succeeding in abundance! Their new business strategies and tactics are producing significant results. But on reflection, I realized that what really gives meaning to my life have been these relationships, the laughter, and the struggles I've shared with others… what I might have taught them, and more importantly, what they most assuredly have taught me.?

These reflections -- this introspection -- fed my spirit, reinforcing that what I do matters. And it's not just because we're in the business of helping patients, but because being in this business has promoted positive mental growth and development for my future life.

The most significant benefit of introspection is that it helps one do more of what really matters and less of what doesn't. And as time marches on, one realizes what a precious gift that is -- spending that time doing what matters.