How to Reflect Better

“We don’t learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” John Dewey.

Reflection is an essential practice for personal growth and self-leadership. Whether you’re navigating university life, dealing with stress, or figuring out your next steps, reflecting can help you make better decisions, learn from setbacks, and understand yourself on a deeper level. Here are some practical tips on how to elevate your reflections and maximize your learning using Rflect or your preferred reflection tool.

1. Express yourself

Reflection is personal, and it’s something you do for yourself. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, so give yourself permission to reflect freely and fully without worrying about judgment from others.

2. Practice, practice, practice

Like sports or learning a new skill, the more you practice reflection, the easier it will come to you. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns, gain more insights, and get better at applying what you learn to your daily life.

3. Make time to reflect

Try setting aside a specific time for reflection. For example, set a timer for 15 minutes after a busy day or a challenging experience and devote that time to just reflecting. Even small moments of reflection can make a big difference.

4. Find the right setting

Choose a space where you feel at ease and can focus with minimal distractions. This could be your favorite corner in your room, a coffee shop, or even a park bench. Experiment and find what works best for you.

5. Take a breath

Before you begin, take a few deep breaths to help your body relax and your mind focus on the present moment. If your thoughts are racing, this simple step can make reflection feel much more natural.

6. Be honest and curious

Reflection works best when you’re honest with yourself. Be open to learning, and try not to censor your thoughts or emotions.

7. Go deeper with follow-up questions

To get more meaningful insights or to go deeper in your reflection, ask yourself follow-up questions like: How did this situation make me feel, and why? What was good or bad about it? What would I do differently next time?

8. Experiment with different methods

Reflection doesn’t have to mean just writing. Explore different ways to reflect, like drawing, recording audio, or even talking things through with a friend. For example, if you struggle with journaling, try recording a voice note on your phone after a long day.

9. Identify patterns over time

As you reflect more consistently, you’ll start to notice recurring thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. For example, do you tend to procrastinate when you’re overwhelmed? Or do certain experiences consistently make you feel confident? Tools like Rflect can help you organize and revisit your reflections to spot these patterns.

10. Take action

Reflection is powerful when it leads to conscious action. Ask yourself: “What small step can I take today to improve my situation?” It doesn’t have to be life-changing – tiny steps can add up over time. For example, if you realize you struggle with time management, commit to planning your day the night before. Try it for 21 days and see what changes.

When does reflection work for you?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What helps you reflect? What challenges do you face when trying to make time for reflection? Drop us a line at info@rflect.ch and share your story. Your insights might inspire others and could even be featured on the Rflect blog!

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This blog was written by Ella from the Rflect team.