Between the years, when the world holds its breath for a brief moment, I often sit at my desk with a cup of steaming tea. My notepad lies in front of me, ready for my sometimes chaotic, often astonishing thoughts that have long been lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It's a particularly magical time for me when there's a small bowl of my favorite vanilla cookies next to my cup of tea. It's usually cold, foggy and uncomfortable outside the window. But definitely quieter than usual. I enjoy it when it gets quiet around me a few days after Christmas.
No hustle and bustle, no family, no work.
Then I'm (usually) in the right mood to look back. What was there? What was good? What was less so? Professionally and privately. Did I stray from my path? Did I take the wrong turn? Why was this detour necessary? What pushed me in the wrong direction?
Do you know this too?
That anger and disappointment with yourself when you realize how often you've gone round in circles? How often I have stood in my own way? Or when I see all the things I haven't started, even though I had so firmly resolved to do so.
But it's precisely these moments when I'm mercilessly honest with myself (at least I try to be!) that bring the biggest aha moments. It's crazy how everything suddenly makes sense when I realize why I didn't make progress at one point - and how I can do better next time.
But there are also other moments.
The moments when tears come to my eyes. Tears of relief and amazement because I realize what I have achieved this year. Even though it sometimes seemed like an insurmountable mountain.
Tears of gratitude for the people who are by my side, for my children, my friends, my colleagues and my partner, who always bring me back to the really important things in life.
And I'm really proud of myself - for persevering, fighting and growing!
Why reflection is so important
Reflection means more than just thinking. The word comes from the Latin "reflectere" and means something like "to bend back" or "to turn around". It's about shedding light on your own actions, looking at things from a helicopter perspective and consciously pausing.
Reflection holds a mirror up to your nose. An ingenious eye-opener that gives you the unique opportunity to see yourself more clearly, to realign yourself, to readjust the rusty set screws.
There are 2 advantages to regularly reflecting on your actions:
1. growth through insight
Only those who have the courage to look honestly at their own actions can grow from them. Reflection not only shows you your successes, but also where you can develop.
2. mental hygiene
Everyday life often demands a lot from us, but if we don't take the time to process what we've experienced, we carry a lot of baggage around with us. Reflection helps you to get rid of this unpleasant baggage and become lighter inside.
A sparring partner definitely makes the difference
I have learned how valuable it is to have someone by my side with whom I can reflect. These different, new perspectives and critical questions help me to uncover my blind spots.
It is precisely these even ticklish - sometimes really unpleasant - questions that get to the heart of things. That's why I always treat myself to a coaching session. A kind of MOT for my soul, so that the calibration is right again.
Whether it's a colleague you trust, an experienced mentor or a well-trained coach - the exchange with another person often makes the reflection process really profound.
Would you like to give it a try?
Use the quiet days between the years to take the first step. Perhaps sit down with a notebook and write openly:
- What worked well this year?
- Where have I blocked myself?
- What goals do I want to achieve - and why?
- What do I need to lead better and take care of myself in the process?
Reflection is not always comfortable, but it is incredibly enriching. And it is a powerful tool for growing as a person and as a leader.
Why it is worthwhile
I promise you: Looking back is the first step forward. Reflect on your actions and allow new things to happen. With the right attitude and a sparring partner at your side, you can not only get the best out of yourself, but also be an empathetic role model for your team.
New insights. New views. New perspectives. Are you ready?
