In today’s modern and faced-paced environment, it can often seem we don’t have time to stop and take a breath, never mind a longer pause to focus and reflect on our plans and achievements.

However, more and more people are recognising the benefits of standing back for a while to take stock, catch our thoughts, and move forward with purpose and determination.

This regular self-reflection can achieve the following:

Increased self-awareness

Spending time in self-reflection can help build greater self-awareness - a key component of emotional intelligence, helping you recognise and understand your own emotions, as well as the impact of your emotions on your thoughts and behaviours.

Greater sense of control

Self-reflection involves practicing mindfulness and being present with yourself ‘in the moment.’ This can help you feel more grounded and in command of your emotions and actions.

Improved communication skills 

Self-reflection can help you improve your communication skills, which can benefit your relationships. Understanding what you’re feeling can help you express yourself clearly, honestly, and empathetically.

Deeper alignment with core values 

Self-reflection can help you understand what you believe in and why. This can help ensure that your words and actions are more aligned with your core values. It can also help reduce cognitive dissonance - the discomfort you may experience when your behaviour doesn’t align with your values.

Better decision-making skills 

Self-reflection can help you make better decisions for yourself. Understanding yourself better can help you evaluate all your options and how they’ll impact you with more clarity. This can help you make sound decisions that you’re more comfortable with.

Greater accountability 

Self-reflection can help you hold yourself accountable to yourself. It can help you evaluate your actions and recognise personal responsibility. It can also help you hold yourself accountable for the goals you’re working towards.

Well, that brings us to the end of another year. Over the months we’ve discussed key business and personal development topics including:

·       Behaviour change;

·       Proactive resilience;

·       Coaching culture;

·       Resilient leadership;

·       Adaptability;

·       Change fatigue;

·       Strength-based approach;

·       Trust.

I hope these topics have proved valuable and insightful for you.

If you need further information about these approaches, or any other resilience topic, please contact  russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.

May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.