How often do you take some time out of your busy schedule to reflect on your goals and dreams? Probably not often enough!
With the fast pace of modern life, it can be easy to get caught up in work and everyday tasks.
But how often do you take some time out of your busy schedule to reflect on your goals and dreams? Probably not often enough! Dan Stanley, performance coach and founder of BetterMen, is adamant just five minutes of daily self-reflection is all it takes to turn stagnation into success.
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"Self-reflection is the key to self-awareness. Simply put, it's about taking the time to think about, evaluate and give serious thought to our attitudes, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. At the macro level, you can assess the overall trajectory of your life. You can contemplate where you're heading and determine in advance whether you're happy with the direction," he explained.
"At a micro level, you can evaluate your specific responses to particular circumstances and events. You can peel back the layers of your own psychology, you can learn the things that trigger you, and gain a wider perspective about who you are and how you're living your life."
To help you practise and become proficient at the skill of self-reflection, Dan insists there are just five questions you need to ask yourself:
1. Something I realised or learned today...
2. The thing I found most challenging today was...
3. Something I am proud of today was...
4. To make tomorrow better than today, I will...
5. My message to myself for tomorrow is...
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There's no right or wrong time to reflect, though most people prefer to do this in the morning or evening.
"What is important though is that you don't try to analyse or judge your answers. Just ask yourself and answer the questions either in your mind or by writing down your answers; writing down is particularly useful as it enables you to identify patterns of thought," he added.
"Your present and future are built upon the foundations of your past; letting your past go 'unchecked' is a mistake we can't afford to make."
(Cover Fitness/Reuters)
