It’s already the end of February and that means 2012 is officially in full swing.
While we might have had a little time in December and January to stop and think about a resolution, a goal or two, chances are if you’re a business owner extra time is not something you have an abundance of.
So here’s your friendly reminder to make some time to reflect, even when you don’t think you have the time.
Three benefits of taking time to reflect that stand out, especially for leaders and business owners are:
1. Reflection leads to innovation
Taking time to reflect is often the catalyst for new ideas and learning. It gives our brains the opportunity to process our actions, experiences and interactions and turn them into productive thoughts, insights and ideas.
2. Reflection creates space to organize and prioritize
Taking time to reflect is often just what the brain needs to organize and categorize thoughts, ideas and experiences. A common experience of people who reflect regularly is that problems, situations and current issues sort themselves out.
3. Reflection is conducive to clarity
The “busyness” most leaders and business owners experience on a daily basis can lead to a common feeling of being overwhelmed by the end of each day. Running from one thing to the next, often putting out fires or responding to the needs of employees and clients can be draining. Reflection allows the mind to recharge and as a result overwhelming situations, problems that felt huge at the time, and questions of what to do find clarity and purpose.
Bonus Benefit: Less stress
As a bonus, taking time to reflect, to find some quiet time in a busy schedule, is a great way to reduce stress levels. As a yoga instructor, I can promise that even five minutes of sitting alone, just breathing, can have a huge impact on how you feel.
Make a Plan:
Busy people are not likely to take time to reflect unless they schedule it. So start there. Schedule a time for yourself, 10 minutes at the beginning or end of each day, or 15 minutes at the end of each week.
Find a place to sit quietly where you will not be distracted, or, if you’re someone who needs to move, find a place to walk outside where you’re unlikely to see anyone you know.
Create questions for yourself to think about that are relevant to what you know you need to address. Maybe it’s about a particular situation you need to work through or about a product you’re working on. If you need some help, try these:
- What am I most appreciative of right now?
- What can I change, or what do I want to work on?
- Am I tapping into my passion?
- Am I able to use my strengths?
- What else can I contribute?
- What do I need to figure out?
Some people like to journal their reflections. This can be a great learning tool over time.
Give it a try. See how something as small as 10 minutes a day can change the way you work, feel and perform.
