The Power of Reflection

"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 

Today, more than ever, we live in an action-oriented society -- particularly in the world of business and business ownership. We're constantly bombarded with messages, memes, and yes, articles to remind us to not just be people of thought, but to be people of action -- and that's not a bad thing. But, how often are we told to be people of reflection? What does it mean? How do we do it? Why should we do it?

More and more it seems the world of "business" is giving way to the world of "busyness". I can remember sitting in a training class and writing those two words down, one over the other, on the notepad in front of me. As I looked at them I noticed that the only difference between the two is the "I" and the "Y" -- and that led me to ask myself a question: "Why am I so busy in my business?" I even used the question as the basis of a five minute talk we were required to give that day. It's also a question I've asked of many of my clients, prospects, and workshop attendees in the course of my coaching business. Sometimes it's a question I have to once again ask of myself.

The truth is, we are told that to be more, we have to do more -- and I believe it is true. It's awful hard to reap the rewards of business ownership or our selected profession without doing something. But doing for the sake of doing is at best, less productive and at worst, disastrous to our business and maybe even our health. Like anything else, too much do could be overdoing it.

That's why we need to learn how to slow down and how to harness the power of reflection. Among its many definitions, Merriam-Webster.com says reflection is "a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation -- or consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose." Simply put, reflection can be considered as a form of meditation intended to allow us to think, to reason, to consider, design, or refine our thoughts -- and ultimately our actions.

Effective reflection doesn't have to take a long time, but it is likely to take some practice. patience, and consistency. In my coaching practice, I suggest my clients observe a Strategic Time Out Process, also known as STOP. The idea is for each client to set aside 15 minutes each day for the purpose of purposefully reflecting on his or her business and his or her life. No email, no phones, no interruptions, and no distractions.

Like any other discipline, it takes time to gain clarity over our thoughts and to strategically focus on what we want, why we want it, and how we can get it. This is the time in which our subconscious mind has opportunity to bring all of the day's conversations, considerations, and events to the forefront and allow us to make better decisions on what we should do, where we should spend our time, and even who we should spend that time with.

Consistency and commitment are the keys to reflection and to reaping the rewards it has to offer -- and we must convince ourselves that it is a worthwhile effort. "I can't afford to just stop in the middle of what I'm doing", you might be saying. Believe me when I tell you that you simply can't afford not to. In fact, let me challenge you to use the STOP process for one week -- for just 15 minutes per day. If you'll make the commitment and give it your very best effort, I think you'll see a noticeable difference in the way you think and the actions you take.

Give it a try -- and be sure to let me know how it goes. You can reach me at: tcrouson@thegrowthcoach.com.

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant.