Over the long holiday weekend I was searching for just the perfect topic to wrap up our month-long blog series on personal leadership. As I thought about it, I could find no better topic than “reflection.”
Throughout time people have remarked on the importance of reflection. Here are a few quotes for you to ponder.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius
“It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
Reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned from both my successes and failures this year will hopefully make me a more effective leader and a better person. However, making time for reflection in our very busy lives can be a challenge. Often, I use my commuting time in my car to think through a particular challenge or to reflect on my day or week. I turn off the radio and just think.
How do you make time for reflection? What works for you?
Anita Rios
Higher EDge 