In my “Leverage Strengths and Overcome Weaknesses as a Leader”
webinar for Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies, a participant asked a simple question that I considered long after the session was over.
I had mentioned the importance of reflection, and she asked: How do you reflect? It made me stop for a moment, and smile.
Reflection has always been part of my process throughout my life. I’m at my best when I have made the time to reflect – every single day.
Here are my Top #3 ways to get started:
First, while reflecting at any time can be advantageous, there is hands-down a best, most ideal time to reflect: Sunday nights. Not only can it put you in the right frame of mind to start your week, but for those suffering from “Sunday scaries” – the well-known, persistent anxiety the resurfaces each Sunday like clockwork – reflection can help transform and repurpose your evening from anxiety-producing into a calmer experience.
Second, it’s helpful to consider a question or a quote. Unlike meditation, you are not trying to clear your mind; instead, you are trying to ask yourself questions, deep questions. You want honest contemplation with honest responses.
Third, reflection should allow you to feel renewed for the work week ahead. Reflection should reinvigorate you, not deplete you. Ask your “critic” to leave the room. Reflection isn’t a time to criticize yourself – it’s a time to consider how you are actually feeling, how you are actually doing without criticism. You can invite the critic in another time.
Consider starting your reflection this week with Joseph’s Campbell’s idea: “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” How will you uniquely bring your value and purpose into your work this week? into your relationships?
Reflect on this, and help transform your Sunday into a night you look forward to all week.