How to practice structured self-reflection?

Reflections are critical to course-correct, learn, celebrate a right decision made, continue doing what works in the right way and more. Many of us engage in deep reflections but the thoughts many times are coloured, subjective and from our perspective only, most times our minds defending an action/decision taken.

Here's just a little piece on how to practice structured reflections.

1. Set a Dedicated Time Aside

Agree with yourself on a dedicated time give it undivided attention. Minimise other distractions during this time, a quiet environment works for many, but if your medium of reflection is loud music, go for it. Whatever works for you, customise it, but keep that time with the primary focus of self-reflection.

2. Make it a Routine

Now that you have a dedicated time set aside, make self-reflection a routine. It does not have to be every day, but agree with yourself on the periodicity and make it happen like brushing your teeth.

3. Use Reflection Tool(s)

The best part of structured self-reflection is give yourself the scope to not let the reflections wander away in the end, but be inward absorbed. There are many tools available for self reflection activities from journaling your reflections to using more structured tools available such as D.I.V.E. (Describe, Interpret,Verify, Evaluate) model or Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan). There are many online reflective journaling tools also available, research the one that fits your size and enjoy the process.

4. External Check-Ins & Making it Interesting

Once you have made self-reflection a routine, keep mixing it up with external check-ins and things that can prevent it from becoming just another tickbox exercise that you do. Discover new ways and engage in deeper levels of self-reflection from time to time. Invite peer reflections occassionally, and then self-reflect on the peer reflection outcomes. Reflection time does not have to be boring, change your setting from time and again.

5. Go Back to Your Previous Reflections

If you've journaled your reflections, this becomes very easy. Go back to your previous reflections, and acknowledge how your perspectives have evolved and changed. Find out if there is more work to do on self, or if you are on track with your reflective journey.