Pause, Reflect, Inspire & Reconnect with Yourself

Let me ask an important question—When is the last time you checked in with yourself?

If you’re like me, it may have been a while. Heck, you may never really perform self-check-ins. It’s a busy world. Between your career, your family life, social media, health, fitness, and the daily stressors of life, taking the time to check in with yourself can seem like more of a luxury than a necessity.?

Sometimes we become so lost in what’s going on around us that we lose touch with the most important person in our lives, ourselves. Here’s how (and why) you should work in ways to connect with yourself, realign your vision, and spark creativity going forward.

The Benefits of Self-Reflection?

Self-reflection is the ability to willingly learn more about your purpose and to actively participate in introspection.?

It’s not a new concept by any means—” Know thyself” was famously inscribed at the Temple of Apollo over 3,000 years ago. Self-reflection allows someone to think carefully, to give the brain a moment to pause in the midst of the chaos of everyday life, and to sort through observations to inform future decisions. In short, self-reflection allows one to learn—and learn constantly—about themselves.?

Research has shown that employees who spend 15 minutes at the end of each day reflecting on the lessons they learned performed 23% better—after only 10 days of this practice.?

So, why did I choose self-reflection as the subject for covering this particular experience?

The truth, is I have about 10 spinning wheels on a 4-wheeled car. I have a lot on my plate and don't get me wrong, I am entirely grateful but growing a business when everything rests on your shoulders is hard. I have in some ways overextended myself and this weekend is Mother's Day having lost my mom in 2020 truthfully makes me reflective on so many levels.

There’s something powerful about reflection which causes us to rebuild but it is also a commitment to remembrance.?And the truth, there is something important about experiencing and sitting in emotions whenever they arrive. So in many ways, this is my dedication to myself to take back my space and my time and sit with myself and sift through my own emotions.

So how can we put into practice ways to awaken your senses every day—in the midst of this noisy world??

Self-Reflection Tip 1: Take a Quiet Walk (Sans Headphones)

If you’re looking for some entry-level self-reflection, a long walk is a seriously beneficial way to start. If you can take a walk in nature, that’s even better. I probably don’t even have to tempt you with the seemingly endless benefits of walking for 30 minutes a day, so we’ll skip that part.?

Take this walk, preferably in silence, to self-reflect on your own path. Listen to the sounds around you. Is it noisy? Are there leaves on the ground? Do you feel like you’re rushed? Take your walk to do a mental check-in with yourself—and enjoy the mental and physical benefits.?

Self-Reflection Tip 2: Ask Yourself Some Questions?

If you want to practice daily self-reflection, then having a set of ready questions is a great way to start. Asking yourself a set of questions will give you a real, comparable way to check in with yourself in a quiet and honest way. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself daily. It only takes a few minutes.?

• How am I feeling today??
• How would I like to feel today?
• What are my intentions today?
• Am I avoiding anything today?
• How can I ensure that today is a successful day??

Self-Reflection Tip 3: Spend Time Creating (For The Sake of Creating)?

This is an especially important exercise if you’re a creative person. We all are guilty, at one point or another, of getting sucked into work, family life, or other responsibilities—such that we forget to save time for our own creativity.?

Creative self-reflection can resemble a myriad of things. It can be taking 10 minutes to journal, sketch, or add five lines to the book you’ve been working on for years. Don’t be afraid to start small. By taking a few moments to practice creativity, I have a pretty strong feeling you’ll inspire more and more from within.

Self-Reflection Tip 4: Surround Yourself with Things That Inspire You?

I’m no Marie Kondo, but I know there are a few things that make me happy—and I like to surround myself with those things. Whether it’s your work desk or your bedside table, consider what items bring you joy and a sense of inspiration. It might be a picture of you and your siblings from the 90s. It might be a scented candle that gives you memories.?

Heck, it might even be your whole living room, your car, or your office. Create spaces in which you can practice self-reflection, meditation, or mindfulness on a regular basis.

Self-Reflection Tip 5: Consider Recent Decisions You’ve Made (and Why)?

Consider some of the recent decisions you made—whether at work, at home, or in regards to your physical well-being. Why did you make this specific decision? What emotion drove you to make this decision? What were the outcomes of this decision? Were they positive for you or for those around you?

By keeping track of the decisions you make and the outcomes they inspire, you are building your own decision-making skills. Decision-making skills are incredibly important in all areas of your life.

The next time you make a big decision, solve a large problem, or enact some serious critical-thinking, ask yourself a few questions—and take note of your answers. Let those intentions guide future decisions, too.?

Self-Reflection Tip 6: Consider the Company You Keep

We’re all familiar with the adage, “You’re as good as the company you keep.” The people around us influence our decisions, our successes, our working lives, and our daily experiences.?

How do you work best with others? Does the company you keep inspire you or champion your goals? Do they make you feel empowered and safe? Consider your must-have list for those you surround yourself with—day in and day out.?

Self-Reflection Tip 7: Learn Something New from an Unexpected Source?

We all have built-in biases, judgments, and belief systems. We have to strip them down to their core in order to open up to experience something new, meet new people with different perspectives, and ultimately learn about ourselves.?

Self-Reflection Tip 8: Ask Yourself Daily, How Am I Doing??

We’ve already talked about asking yourself questions on a regular basis. If that’s not your speed, you forgot to do it, or you want to simplify your self-reflection practices, ask yourself this one question:

How Am I Doing?

Imagine this question at the top of a large poster board—like the ones you used for the science fair in grade school. How are you doing today? What imagery reflects how you’re doing? What words? What emotions convey it best??

Whether you respond to yourself mentally, verbally (maybe even in the bathroom mirror), or by writing down a few words, this is a great way to simply reflect. Consider asking yourself this question once in the morning and once before you sleep.

Self-Reflection Tip 9: Give Yourself a Break (Let Go of Negativity)?

We can be our own worst enemies—inside our very own heads. Another way to reconnect with yourself is by giving yourself a break. I have to admit I am very guilty of letting impostor syndrome poison my well of confidence.

Replace your pesky impostor syndrome or negative inward thoughts with positive, creative thoughts.?

Easier said than done, right? Not exactly!?

There are a few ways to silence impostor syndrome—and replace it with an inner voice that actually serves you. Here are a few reflective ways I like to silence that impostor syndrome.?

• Keep track of your successes
• Ask questions when you feel stuck or uninspired
• Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations (ie. instead of “I can’t do that” try “How can this be done?”)

Get to know yourself on a deeper level. You’re always changing, evolving, and growing. By taking the time to check-in and acknowledge your progress, you will only inspire further growth.

Where Can You Find Me??

On Clubhouse, every Thursday (TONIGHT) in the Thought Leadership Branding Club on Clubhouse at 6 pm EST?for?LinkedIn 101: Becoming A LinkedIn Rockstar ?with?Chelle Shapiro ?&?Genesis Smith .?

Join me on Saturday, May 7th for?Energize & Boost Your LinkedIn Profile Workshop ! Grab your seat and take advantage of this amazing workshop! If you are not able to attend LIVE, no worries the recording will be available to those registered!

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