top of page
Gemma Brown Coaching Primary Logo Navy

The case for reflection

Updated: Jun 26, 2020

The changing of seasons is a great reminder to stop and reflect. This week I really noticed the changing of the seasons and was reminded how much I love this time of year. I am always sad to leave light evenings and warm days of summer behind, but autumn is also special. The crisp mornings, the changing colours, bonfire night, cosy nights in. With any new season, I’m prompted to stop and reflect. Often life speeds along, and we don’t take time to reflect on anything before jumping into the next project, moment or challenge.


Before leaping ahead, it’s important to take time to recall everything that has happened over the last three months - both professionally and personally. A lot happens in a season, and if we don’t stop to recall, it passes us by without chance to grow or learn from it (or even celebrate our own success). This transition from summer to autumn is an opportunity to think about where you are in your own year:

  • What have you done, seen, completed or started in the last three months?

  • Did you set goals at the start of the year?

  • Are you where you wanted, or expected to be?

  • Where were you this time last year as summer changed to autumn?

When you consciously recall all you’ve achieved, places you’ve been, projects you’ve completed, things you’ve learnt, people you’ve met….it actually produces quite a long list. I’d ask you to think about what your role was in each of those things and what have you learnt as a result. This is a great way to give yourself a boost because you will have done so much more than you think. Why not keep a record? It doesn't have to be lengthy or take huge amounts of time and is a really positive way to capture everything that you've achieved.


At times it is easy to feel stuck in a rut, or concreted still. Your routine may feel stagnant, it may no longer feel exciting or motivating. You may feel like you’re not achieving much or that others are speeding along beside you. I can assure you that you are achieving great things, day in day out, small and large, mighty and subtle. But if you don’t stop and consider them, of course they will seem unmemorable.


So why do it? Reflecting on yourself is time invested in you. The time out gives you:

  • Opportunity to focus on you

  • Quiet time with no distractions

  • A chance to look inward

  • Identify your achievements

  • Note your accomplishments

  • Celebrate your successes

  • Review what could have gone better

  • Understand yourself on a deeper level

  • Connect to yourself and what you want (or don't want)

  • Tune into who you really are

  • Build your confidence over everything you have done

  • Note trends in your behaviours

A new season reminds me that we are not stuck; that a lot takes place between each season, and we simply need to take a pause and reflect. So grab a cuppa, take out a notebook, take a moment to stop and think about your life over the last three months. A regular practice, like journalling, has huge benefits on your well being and how kind you are to yourself.


If you enjoyed this, you may also like to read 'Reflecting to make positive change'.

 

Gemma Brown is a certified coach who works with successful women, 1-2-1 and in groups, to identify their strengths and build confidence which enables them to have the self-belief to fearlessly bring their whole being into all areas of life. Gemma is based in Cambridgeshire and carries out face to face coaching in the area as well as via Skype and Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.

29 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

4 questions to be more authentic

With the confidence to be authentic in all areas of life, anything is possible. But how can we practice being authentic more often?

Ideas to help you reflect on your year

Reflection gives us the opportunity to see things we may otherwise have missed. Here are six ways you can reflect on the year gone by.

Comments


  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Gemma Brown Coaching logo

©2023 by Gemma Brown Coaching | privacy policy

Professional Certified Coach accreditation badge

Gemma is a Professional Certified Coach. PCC Credential-holders are trained, experienced coaches. They have demonstrated knowledge and proficient application of the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching. A PCC shows a commitment to high ethical standards and has demonstrated, through rigorous assessment, competence in using a variety of behaviours and skills in their work with clients.

Mental Health First Aider accreditation badge
bottom of page