How to Make Reflection Part of Your Daily Habit

The best leaders know themselves well. And that means taking time to reflect.

Echo and Narcissus by John William Waterhouse, 1903 (Wikipedia - public domain)

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard

When a new year comes upon us, it seems like everyone tries to outdo each other with memories of the past year (or worse — the past decade!)

Reflection isn’t something that needs our attention once a year. It’s a habit and should be developed like any other habit.

If done well, it can result in clarity of mind, a less volatile knee-jerk reaction to things, and deeper relationships.

Why is it that we find reflection so difficult?

For one, there are so many distractions to occupy us.

Opening the phone and going on an infinite scroll down the screen is a soothing but mindless activity. As is swiping left or right. Or tapping the little colored blocks or jewels that are part of that game you like.

When we have frictionless distractions, those provide a welcome and easy escape from the hard work that reflection requires.

Sel…