Why self-reflection is essential
John Ioannou
Strategic Advisor | Transformational Leader | Board Member | Driving Growth, Innovation & Sustainable Value | Family Office Governance & Wealth Management Expert
We don't learn from experiences; we learn from reflecting on experiences!
Millions of faithful people around the world are currently observing the Holy Month of Ramadan or the Lent Season.?This is a period of restrain and discipline, a period for spiritual growth and personal transformation. During this time, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and generosity.?This is also a time for self-reflection.?
In fact, self-reflection along with meditation are essential practices in all major religions around the world and they are important habits in navigating our lives successfully. Prompted by this spiritual season, I list here below five reasons why reflective thinking is essential regardless of your individual faith.
Self-reflection increases your self-awareness.
Self-reflection is a powerful way to deeply understand and come into sync with who you really are. And ‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom’ so says Aristotle. Self-reflection helps you become more aware of your own assumptions, values, and views of the world. This self-awareness will help you build on your strengths, work ?on your weaknesses, and help you develop a better understanding of others.
Self-reflection gives you true perspective.
A crisis in the office or a frustration at home becomes most of the times at reflection small and immaterial. Miraculously, as you reflect you can see clearly what really matters and the way forward. Simply put, self-reflection takes out the heat of the moment and puts an experience into perspective.
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Self-reflection boosts productivity.
Self-reflection pushes you to question, in a positive way, the effectiveness of your actions and forces you indirectly to answer why you do what you do. Is there a better, more efficient way to achieve your goals and objectives? This process will encourage more engagement, will sharpen your creative thinking, will allow you to self-assess, and will boost your productivity.
Self-reflection makes life happier.
Reminiscing?and self-reflecting on your last vacation, a birthday party or a simple visit to a faraway friend help generate happy memories. Without reflecting these memories are not made. And these memories, through self-reflection transform thoughts into learnings! Learnings about your life choices, your values, and what makes you genuinely happy.?And this will ultimately take you a step closer to discovering your life’s purpose.
Self-reflection can heal.
As we find ourselves caught up in our day-to-day existence, it’s important to take the time to self-reflect, look inward, examine, and search for a deeper meaning not only during these periods of religious importance but also on a more conscious and consistent manner. This is even more important when we encounter loss, or when we have more challenging and traumatic experiences as it helps us to understand the process of grieving a loss and hopefully to heal.?
May this spiritual season be the foundation of your reflective thinking.?Ramadan Kareem and Happy Easter wishes to all.
Chief Financial Officer at Abdul Latif Jameel International
1 年Ramdan Kraeem and Happy Easter. Nice article at the beginning of Ramdan and as we are approaching Easter. I totally agree with you, without the impact of the Self-reflection, there is no improvement. As much as we have Self- reflection in our day, as much as we improve, and we become happier.?
Director - Audit at Deloitte and Touche (ME)
1 年Very well articulated John. In this fast pace life it is imperative that we find time for ourselves to self reflect!!
Thank you John for sharing, and Ramadan Kareem ????
Director Ventas Horeca
1 年Excellent article! Food for thought!
Executive Coach - Assessment - Performance Lab - Board Advisory
1 年Very nice article John and I agree with you that reflection creates self-awareness and it also shift mindsets.