2021 has been another busy year. Covid lockdowns … changing nature of work … balancing home-schooling … uncertainty … and remaining flexible and adaptive were all things most of us would have experienced at some point or another. But as the silly season approaches we’re generally (and chaotically) coordinating return to families, last minute present buys and overlapping an abundance of social gatherings. Whilst it leaves us full bellied and content in sharing smiles with our loved ones, it’s not until boxing day when we realise, 'wow – the year is over'.
This is often the time we start contemplating the year that was and looking forward to setting new goals and intent for the year to come. Whilst a quick google search for 'top 2022 new years resolutions' may reveal the normal culprits (lose weight, save more money, get healthy, fight climate change, read books, travel more), we at The Cove have our own suggestion for you.
Make Reflection your New Year’s Resolution!
Reflection is an important part of making psychological improvements to self-awareness, learning and memory. By being inward focussed, we impact the way we build memories, make meaning and transfer learning to new contexts. It’s about careful thought and paying conscious consideration and analysis to beliefs and actions for the purpose of learning – which is crucial to growth and development. Who doesn’t want to be a better version of themselves?
There is no one-size fits all approach for reflection. And its important to find a method that suits your personal preference. Reflecting looks different on everyone. But there are some key tips that will allow you to get the most out of it.
- Routine. Schedule a time to do it. Consistency is critical to setting new habits and gaining the full benefits of reflection. Try to reflect daily – even if it’s only for 5 minutes.
- Start small. Pick an area to reflect on that won’t overwhelm you in setting a new habit from day 1.
- Select a reflection process that matches who you are. Digital native? Why not download our Cove Reflective Journal App? It allows you to record and sort your reflections, as well as create reminders on when to reflect and review your existing reflections. More a pen and paper kinda person? Well.. you now know what your lastminute.com Christmas present request is. Not a fan of either of these cause its too much hassle? Set a time to walk through the bush, or seaside, or make the dog walk the time for you to make new meaning.
- Try it. Like all things new it can be hard to find a rhythm. Be persistent. Commit to at least trying it for a two week stint to see how your fare.
- Learn more about it. Some of us just don’t know where to start. And that’s ok. How does one reflect?! Great question! Why not review our Reflective Practice One Stop Shop for some links to some stellar resources. A starting place for you to find out more about the models and approaches people apply to become a better version of themselves.
